The Portland Thorns are a women’s soccer team that is a part of the NWSL. The Thorns have been very successful over the course of the last 3 years, finishing in the top 6 each year. This season, they are on a streak, winning their last 5 games. Their fame grew and increased in June of 2021, when 15-year-old “Femininomenom,” Olivia Moultrie, joined the Portland Thorns, officially becoming the youngest person ever to join the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Portland Thorns women’s soccer team was established in November 2012. April 21st, 2013, the Thorns had their first home game, with an attendance of 16,000. On September 20th, 2024, the Thorns reached an all-time high of 25,000 fans in one game. These stats show how rapidly women’s soccer is growing in the community. Soccer is an escape for many children, and it gives them opportunities they might not have if they didn’t play.
According to the Portland Thorns’ official website, attendance in the stadium has increased by 36% since 2021. Women’s soccer has struggled to get an audience, but as a growing sport, people have seemed to spark an interest in women’s soccer. In a recent report, it is projected that it will become the fifth-largest sport by 2030, potentially reaching a global fan base of up to 800 million people. Some of the sports factors for driving growth are due to increased media coverage, player empowerment, tournament success, and more. “As more countries recognize the potential of women’s soccer, the sport continues to evolve, offering more opportunities for youth development and better facilities for players.” States Charlotte Rise FC. According to the NWSL, the Thorns are currently sitting in 4th place with a record of 8-6-6. They have 29 goals for and 23 goals against, with a goal differential of 6. Their passing average is at a 77% accuracy with sixteen short passes completed and sixteen long passes completed, their attacking average is 48%, with sixteen assists and eighty-four corners taken, and their defending is sitting at a 63% accuracy with 439 headed duels and 165 interceptions.
“I thought the whole team defended exceptionally and really earned their clean sheet and wanted the clean sheet,” according to the Portland Timbers. The defensive line of the Thorns is strong, and they can handle big threats.
Olivia Moultrie is a 19-year-old midfielder for the Thorns. She has 4 goals, 1 assist, and she is involved in almost every play. Moultrie has the ability to move the ball around and maneuver through everybody’s midfield. Her technical skills allow her to play through balls and dribble through the defense. Midfield is a crucial part of the field to connect the defense to the forwards.
The Thorns look like they will have a promising season and go far in the playoffs. “They are part of a tight group of teams in a race for playoff seeding, sitting just below Washington Spirit (37 points) and tied on points with Gotham FC, San Diego Wave FC, and Seattle Reign FC,” states the Thorns. As the Thorns progress in the season, make sure you stop and catch a game!
