The Portland Thorns announce three season-ending injuries
An absolutely brutal day for the Portland Thorns
The Portland Thorns announced that Morgan Weaver, Nicole Payne, and Marie Müller have all been placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list. Each player suffered knee injuries and the club is working closely with them through their recovery.
Morgan Weaver announced her injury with a heartfelt message to everyone via Instagram.
The forward wrote in her post: “Season 6…. It hurts my heart to share that I will not be playing in this upcoming 2025 season. Unfortunately my knee never fully healed from last seasons injury so I will be restarting the process of rehabbing my meniscus.
With that being said I will still be supporting Portland till the very end! I am not done yet and can’t wait to be back to win another championship! 🌹🤍”
She suffered to injury to her right knee in January, which is the same knee she had surgery on last year in May.
In the 88th minute of the Coachella Valley Invitation preseason match against Angel City FC, Nicole Payne sustained what has now revealed to be an ACL injury to her right knee. She had to be carted off of field.
In her first ever call-up to the Germany Women’s National Team, Marie Müller experienced an ACL injury to her right knee during training.
One of her lifelong dreams was to play for the national team, and hopefully she’ll receive another opportunity when fully healthy and recovered.
MM shared a heartbreaking message over Instagram.
“After more than a week, I also have words for what happened. Having been called up to the senior team and closer than ever to the dream, I had to leave after the first DFB women’s session due to injury.
The hope that it wasn’t that bad was taken away from me relatively quickly. Diagnosis: torn my acl and meniscus. My world collapsed. I cried for hours and thought I was in the wrong movie.
The initial shock is over and the operation is already well over. Thanks to my family, friends and everyone involved, I can now look forward. I try to see everything positively, grow from it and accept the challenge. If I know one thing, it’s that I will come back stronger. ❤️🩹”
What now?
There is more news coming, so like I’ve said time and time again… brace for impact!
If you were worried about the backline before, you won’t be feeling any better today, tomorrow, or frankly, for a long time
The Thorns have now lost two of their three first-choice players at fullback, leaving just Reyna Reyes and Mallie McKenzie as experienced options. This may force the club to move Alexa Spaanstra to left back as they are limited with current personnel.
Morgan Weaver is the heart and soul of the club, community, and city. She has grown into a vocal leader for the team, and now she won’t be suiting up this year. The team will need to rely on the emerging leadership of Sam Coffey more than ever.
With the trio being placed on the SEI list, the Thorns will be granted salary cap relief to help rebuild their roster. As of time of publishing, the Thorns have just 20 active players on their roster — two below the minimum requirement. So signings will have to be made.
Now is the time for Jeff Agoos, Lucy Rushton, and Angus McNab to make the big bucks. They have open roster spots and salary cap relief now.
Will they make moves now or wait for the summer window?
How are you feeling? Let it out in the comments below.
All the best to our beloved Thorns. Wever, Muller and Payne. Rest well, take care of yourselves, physically and mentally. We will eagerly await your return. Much love.
Wrong day to stop sniffing glue.
Gutted for all three and wow is this squad in trouble.