Portland Thorns Acquire Alexa Spaanstra from Kansas City Current
Karina LeBlanc and the Portland Thorns are adding to the attack.
The club announced they have acquired Alexa Spaanstra from the Kansas City Current. The Portland Thorns will send $25,000 in intra-league transfer funds and an additional $15,000 in allocation money to complete the trade.
“We are very excited to be adding Alexa to our squad, her attacking prowess will improve the depth of our attacking core,” General Manager Karina LeBlanc said. “Her ability to score, as well as contribute to the build up will be of great benefit as we begin a long and hard stretch which includes vital league matches and the start of the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Alexa has proven herself to be capable of competing in this league and we are thrilled to now have her as a member of the Thorns.”
Spaanstra was one of the best draft prospects headed into the 2023 draft with many mock drafts having her in the top five to seven picks. Although she dropped to 10th pick, it was considered a steal by many pundits.
Alexa spent five years at the University of Virginia where she appeared in 107 matches. As a member of the Cavaliers, Spaanstra recorded 37 goals and added 34 assists.
Alexa Spaanstra made 15 appearances, contributing two goals and an assist in her rookie season. In 11 matches this season (eight starts) she tallied a goal and an assist.
“I am delighted to welcome Alexa to the Thorns, she is a player our recruitment team has followed through college and the 2023 draft and now through a year-and-a-half in the league,” Head Coach Rob Gale said. “She’s a forward who is attacking minded, great on the dribble and makes excellent runs in behind, she has all the dynamics we are looking for to add to our attacking unit. We are excited to bring her into our group.”
With the attack behind led by Sarah Lowdon and Rob Gale, Spaanstra has a real opportunity to shine in Portland. She has all the tools that make an attacker dangerous: dribbling, finishing, playmaking and work rate. Where she stands out most, however, is in her positioning by constantly being in the right spots.
Stumptown Footy contributor, Melina Gaspar, shared her scouting report during the 2023 NWSL Draft process. Spaanstra’s play reminded her a lot of a certain Portland Thorn.
“When watching her play, her style reminded me a lot of Morgan Weaver’s. She’s fast, and not afraid to start an attack in the middle of the field and carry the ball all the way. She seems to never tire out. Spaanstra likes to occupy as much space as possible in the field, can score golazos but also assist with precise crosses, and is good on 1v1. Spaanstra is player who helps to recover balls and helps with the build-up of the play once she does.”
With Morgan Weaver’s pending return, the club also has Janine Beckie and Payton Linnehan as their pure wingers. Adding Spaanstra to that group was absolutely necessary and needed.
The Portland Thorns have now added Mackenzie Arnold and Alexa Spaanstra this summer. The Thorns don’t seem to be quite done yet, either …
Grade: A-
This move has tons of upside and potential. Alexa Spaanstra can start or provide a massive boost off the bench. The only concern is this team needed more immediate and established help for Soph Smith. However, bringing in a player who could blossom into a star is still a good move by Karina LeBlanc. It’s definitely worth the trade value sent back to KCC.
Occurs to me coach can simply say, "Alexa, give us a goal" and send her in.
I was hoping for the Thorns to pick either Spaanstra or Hocking in that draft. (I didn't know anything about Reyes, who was the actual first pick for the Thorns.) Anyway, I'm happy to have Spaanstra and eager to see what she brings. Hopefully her youth team friendship with Smith will help her fit right in.