Portland Thorns Acquire GK Emily Alvarado from Houston Dash
General Manager Karina LeBlanc has struck a deal with Alex Singer of the Houston Dash to send Mexico International Emily Alvarado to Portland.
The Portland Thorns are making another move to shore up the defense, this time, it’s a goalkeeper. After being tied for a league worst 10 goals against, Karina LeBlanc made another move with hopes to turn around the historically slow start before NWSL deadline day was completed.
The first initial reports came from Theo Lloyd-Hughes, who is one of the absolute best in the business.
According to Taylor Vincent (later confirmed by NWSL and the club), Portland Thorns made the trade for Alvarado in exchange for $35k in allocation, as well as up to $50k in Intra-League Transfer Funds or AM if certain performance metrics are met.
During her time at TCU, Alvarado broke the record for most shutouts in school history with 21. After a historic career at the university, she signed a two year deal with Stade de Reims Féminines, a French Division 1 Féminine club. Alvarado would start 39 games for Reims with nine shoutouts.
After the March 25, 2023 match against ASJ Soyaux-Charente, the Houston Dash acquired her from Reims Féminines. The former youth Houston Dash alum would return to her home state.
With Jane Campbell playing some of the best football of career, Alvarado did not get a chance to see the pitch for Houston. Still, she has already earned 15 caps for the Mexico Women’s National Team.
The battle for the number one goalkeeper spot will be now be something to watch for Portland Thorns. Can Shelby Hogan continue to keep the starting spot or will Emily Alvarado earn it?
Another name to look out for will be Lauren Kozal, who has shown incredible moments in trainings. Kozal will most likely start the summer tournament games.
Most of the goals given up has been due to the poor structure of the team, which sets the backline up for failure. They are tasked of playing the most attack minded style of football which often leaves the center backs and goalkeeper to fend for themselves. One key difference for the goalkeepers will be new interim head coach, Rob Gale, who will be tasked with making a ton of adjustments during his time in charge.
Emily Alvarado - Scouting Report
Considered a shootout specialist in college
Brave off her line, comfortable moving in and out of the box to make key interventions
High energy — unmatched
Incredible effort — acrobatic & diving saves
Passing is improving, but has room to grow
Has experience in both possession based systems and direct ones
Throwing is underutilized and needs work
Decision making is pretty solid
Fun Fact: Her biggest idols growing up were Gianluca Buffon and Iker Casillas.
Bonus: Edwin van der Sar, Oliver Khan and Peter Schmeichel were also key figures.
Grade: B
Not including Bella Bixby, there are now four goalkeepers on the team. However, the low cost move has upside and potential written all over it. If Emily Alvarado can realize her potential in Portland, this would be one of the best steals they could have ever imagined. If it doesn’t work out, it’s small financial investment into the trade. At the end of the day, her upside and ceiling is worth making this deal.
Should LeBlanc and the club been more aggressive in acquiring a bigger name? Yes.
Does Alvarado have that upside to become a household name? Yes
Surfeit of Keepers my shoegaze band name.