NWSL Round-Up: Portland Thorns Announce Major Pre-Season Tournament

A week out from the 2017 draft and still waiting for the upcoming season’s schedule to be released, clubs were back to work building their squads. Here is a look at some of the player movements and signings over the past few days, as well as the announcement of a big pre-season tournament. 

Seattle Reign

Re-signed defender Merritt Mathias 

Re-signed forward Kiersten Dallstream

Both players have been with the Reign now for a few seasons, Dallstream as far back as 2013. Mathias, although listed as a defender spent time playing as a striker during 2016. She appeared in almost every match for the club, scoring one goal, but eventually moving to the backline. Dallstream has 55 appearances for the club, but has featured mostly as a utility player during her tenure. This puts the club at 16 of the 20 roster spots filled, with Hope Solo and draft picks yet to be signed. 

NC Courage

Acquired Samantha Witteman via trade with Orlando for Alanna Kennedy

After being the Pride’s first round draft pick in 2016 she appeared in 16 matches. A member of the U-23 USWNT setup, she will likely feature as a midfielder for the Courage, but has experience playing on all three lines. 

Orlando Pride

Acquired Alanna Kennedy via trade with NC Courage for Samantha Witteman

Acquired the rights to Rachel Hill from the Portland Thorns 

In the trade with NC, Orlando receive a defender with national team experience with Australia. As a league champion last season, Kennedy will help bring experience and leadership to the young franchise’s backline. Rachel Hill was Portland’s first pick in this year’s draft and the 14th overall. She could see time filling in for the departed Alex Morgan, having scoring 61 goals in her collegiate career. 

Sky Blue FC

Signed Daphne Corboz

Originally drafted by Sky Blue two years ago, Corboz instead opted to head to Europe instead of joining the NWSL. Her time with Manchester City was well rewarded as the club had a historic 2016. Claiming the league and cup double for the first time, the side went undefeated during to the entire season. 

Thorns Spring Invitational Pre-season Tournament

The Portland Thorns announced the teams for the second annual Spring Invitational tournament set to take place between March 26th and April 1st. The Thorns will be joined by fellow NWSL sides the Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars. The U.S. U-23 national team will round of the four team competition.