Portland Thorns News Roundup | Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Lauren Kozal, & M. Weaver Update
Former Portland Thorn, Alex Morgan, announces her retirement. Sophia Smith is nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Lauren Kozal is headed out on loan. Rob Gale provides update on Morgan Weaver.
Thank You Alex!
Former Portland Thorn and USWNT superstar, Alex Morgan, is retiring from football. She was one of the originals and represented the club from 2013-2015. For all of her accomplishments on the pitch, she was an exceptional person off of it too.
Alex Morgan is one of the best players of all time, there is no doubt. However, where she shined the most was her advocacy, courage, and strength. She fought, clawed, and did everything she could to make the league safer for every single player. The improved conditions, pay, and future of women’s football was made so much better because of her and so many others.
In particular, Alex Morgan was a fierce and outspoken advocate for Mana Shim during her time in Portland, and was an outspoken critic of the NWSL for the lack of safety protocols that could have protected Shim, Sinead Farrelly, and other players. The current progress that has been made is undoubtedly due to Morgan’s voice and advocacy.
For all of the goals, trophies, and awards, she is so much more than that. Alex Morgan’s legacy should be remembered for EVERYTHING she did for the game.
We are wishing Alex Morgan, Servando Carrasco, Charlie, & future baby all of the best! This isn’t enough, but all of us at STF would like to say: THANK YOU ALEX!
Ballon d’Or is Calling
Portland Thorns’ Sophia Smith has been nominated for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or award. The former NWSL MVP & Golden Boot winner is among 30 listed players for the honor.
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by magazine France Football since 1956 to honor the player deemed be the best performer the past season.
USWNT superstar Soph Smith is on pace for a career year. She has already surpassed her career in assists with six this season.
Although the award is skewed or quite bias towards European players, it is still a huge achievement to be a nominee for the Ballon d’Or. The Triple Espresso is all listed with Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman joining Smith. Former Portland Thorn Lindsey Horan is also listed. One big omission from this list is Naomi Girma.
Lauren Kozal Loan to USL Super League
Goalkeeper Lauren Kozal is headed off to Tampa Bay Sun FC in the USL Super League for the remainder of the season on loan. The Portland Thorns reserve the right to terminate the loan agreement at any time.
Kozal joined the Thorns as the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and made her professional debut and first ever start for the Portland Thorns against Utah Royals FC in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.
Morgan Weaver Injury Update
Rob Gale: “She’s definitely getting closer, we’re continuing to build that… She’s made great progress into the training, started to get some opposition work in there.”
Ummmmm.....don't look now but Sarina Weigman is in Portland and was at the game last night. Karina posted a pic with her at PP. (Thanks for pointing that out to me, Jacob Stevens!)
Bet she watched that dross and said WOW, this is some poor coaching lol..
At the beginning of the season, BB told one of the commenters here that the Bhathals were interested in Sarina Weigman as a coach, right after Norris was fired. I might dream a little dream.....
Week 18 Recap, featuring:
- Orlando suffocate Gotham and plant their flag at the top
- KC's issues at the six
- A Thorns film review and diagnostic session.
https://www.theeaststandnwsl.com/post/nwsl-week-18-recap-kc-and-portland-s-struggles-continue-while-orlando-races-clear-at-the-top