The Thorns' injury uncertainties are very worrisome
Portland could head into the season as shorthanded as ever. How bad is the injury situation?
The Portland Thorns head into the 2025 season with many injured players, and their statuses yet to be announced. With a lack of depth, particularly on the backline, this would be a major blow to any chance the team might have to this season to start strong.
What do we actually know?
On the first day of the Coachella Valley Invitational, everyone finally got to see the Portland Thorns take the pitch against Angel City FC. Unfortunately, late in the match Nicole Payne had to be carted off as play stopped for several minutes.
Early reports are that it isn’t a positive update, but the team has not confirmed. With only three “proven” fullbacks on the roster, the club cannot afford to lose her.
It was a bad situation, and just days later… it somehow got even worse.
Last Thursday, one of the team’s stars got sent home from her first ever national team camp before the matches were played. Marie Müller left the Germany Women’s National Team after experiencing an injury in training.
The national team shared an update announcing the injury. “Squad update: Marie Müller will leave today due to injury and will therefore miss the two upcoming games in the Nations League.” - DFB-Frauen
The Thorns then announced that they are following the injury as well: “We are aware of the injury Marie Müller sustained while in camp with the German Women’s National Team. We are in contact with their team physicians and will provide an update when we have more information.”
The Portland Thorns have Marie Müller and Reyna Reyes as their starters with Nicole Payne as a de facto “third starter.” Those three would play the bulk of the minutes this season with Mallie McKenzie also getting looks at all along the backline.
Now, it looks like the Thorns may have lost two of their fullbacks in one week which would be an absolute disaster. If that’s the case, they’re down to Reyna Reyes, Mallie McKenzie, and… well, that’s it.
Is that all?
Sadly, no.
After finally being called up to another USWNT camp, Morgan Weaver did not play in either Coachella Valley Invitational match. It looks like she did not make the trip to Arizona for training camp or Palm Springs for preseason.
Soph Wilson (née Smith) has not yet reported to the team. There is a lot of speculation around why — but we are not here to do that. However, if there is a player who deserves this time off, it’s her. The amount of strain an Olympic year puts on athletes is immense and that workload hindered her the last few months of the year, and so Wilson should be allowed to get some much needed rest. In an offseason that included tying the knot, it’s an offseason filled with wonderful memories for her. So despite the impact, she’s earned it all.
If they go into the season missing both of their top attackers for any period of time, it’ll be a very long year for the club.
Keepin’ an eye on…
Rookie Pietra Tordin would have been a first round draft pick if there was still an NWSL Draft. She didn’t appear in either of the preseason game, so it’s worth monitoring her situation and seeing what her activity level is.
What’s next?
With the season opener on March 15 at CPKC Stadium against the Kansas City Current fast approaching, there could not be a worse time to be shorthanded. As this team isn’t as deep, each injury update will set the team back in 2025.
From what I’m hearing, it will be a very hard lead-up to the regular season opener with what’s to be announced.
Even with the potential salary cap relief, this squad would still have to play without their first choice starters and rely on many young players. The Portland Thorns will start to provide updates on the statuses of these players very soon. You better hold on because there will be a lot coming all at once.
Be sure to keep breathing and… brace for impact.
Hey all, I have a bunch of content plans for 2025... You will be hearing from me a lot more. Excited to bring NEW content to STF this season.
As of now, I am prepping for the first media availabilities and finalizing content plans :)
I know STF mostly don't want to ruffle any feathers --which I get-- but I really think there should be a question *at* the media availability about *why* there has been so little media availability or even just general transparency this offseason, and if the club will put more emphasis on it going forward under the new regime. Especially since the Timbers --once again, hardly a model franchise in general-- just held a fan roundtable with the CEO, GM, and coach after a similarly turbulent offseason.