Portland Thorns sign winger Adriana Leon
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Portland Thorns sign winger Adriana Leon
The Canadian international is on her way to the Rose City.
The Portland Thorns announced today that they have signed winger and Canadian international Adriana Leon on a short term loan.
Dan Lauletta of the Equalizer originally reported that Portland was set to sign Leon, and the club made the news official a few hours later.
After the season ending injury to Janine Beckie, Portland Thorns lacked depth at winger and Leon will provide that and more.
“An opportunity was presented to us to bring Adriana to Portland, and we believe this is a move that is beneficial for both the club and Adriana,” said Karina LeBlanc, Thorns FC general manager. “She wants to be here and take advantage of the opportunity in a competitive environment ahead of the World Cup. Adriana has the ability to make an impact as we strengthen this special group with her talent to help continue to push us forward.”
Adriana Leon most recently played in the WSL with West Ham United and Manchester United, respectively since 2019. She made 53 appearances and scored 13 goals for West Ham. For Manchester United, she made five appearances and had a goal. Her last appearance in NWSL was with the OL Reign (at the time the former Seattle Reign).
She has 96 competitive appearances for the Canada Women’s National Team with 28 goals. Leon was part of the Olympic Gold Medal winning squad in Tokyo in 2021.
This move makes sense for both sides. Leon needs playing time before the WWC and Portland needs an established winger.
Portland have scored 8 goals in their first 2 regular season games with a goal differential of +7. Now they add one of the best international wingers to the club.
“Adriana is an excellent addition to our deep and talented roster,” said Thorns FC head coach Mike Norris. “She brings a wealth of experience both at the international level and club level. An out-and-out winger, she likes to play on the front foot and go at defenders, and we feel she will fit our playing style well.”
The Portland Thorns have confirmed the deal is a short-term loan until June 30, 2023.
Leon will be added to the roster pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
To read the full press release, see here.
What is your grade on the signing? Let us know!
Portland Thorns sign winger Adriana Leon
Taylor Vincent of the Equalizer and I had a chance to speak with Head Coach Mike Norris after training today.
https://twitter.com/tayvincent6
Be sure to check out his preview for tomorrow's game, Leon addition, and more on her Twitter.
I actually like this move. When I watched the CNT she was one of the players I always thought was really good. Of course I also thought she was much younger too. I didn’t realize she has been around so long. I think that improving the talent pool on any club should always be the goal. Of course there are money and team dynamic concerns as well. If she can honestly beat Weaver out for the position then so be it. That’s the nature of sports. I’m sure Weaver welcomes the challenge.