In a country that claims to support women’s soccer but really only pays attention during the Women’s World Cup, the National Women’s Soccer League still has plenty of room to grow in the American sporting consciousness. But there’s one area in which the best women’s soccer league in the world is a recognized global leader — style.
The Portland Thorns unveiled their dazzling 2020 kits on Wednesday, reupping the ante for the best kits in all of football with an entertaining video featuring Lindsey Horan’s dog, Sophia Smith’s first-ever “Smith” shirt and Christine Sinclair trying to be goofy.
This is what unstoppable looks like.
Introducing the 2020 Thorns kits. #BAONDPX pic.twitter.com/EucFFi6tX2— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 20, 2020
The primary Portland Thorns jersey is a stunning black Nike kit with dark roses and red trim. Whether up close or from afar, the shirt nicknamed Dark Rose looks incredible.
Image: @ThornsFC | Twitter
The secondary Portland Thorns jersey is just as marvelous. Titled Untamed Thorn, the white shirt is wrapped by a thorn graphic as “metaphorical body armor.”
Image: @ThornsFC | Twitter
Both shirts lean heavily on the rose theme — Portland is nicknamed the City of Roses, after all — and feature the acronym BAON: By Any Other Name. (The phrase is a reference to the Shakespeare quote, not the Star Trek episode.)
Representing our city and our spirit.
More on our 2020 primary and secondary kits: https://t.co/ClQ3MDU81R | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/858KJPBQ0O— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 20, 2020
“We are really excited about these new kits,” said Alex Kocher, creative director for Thorns FC, in a news release. “With each jersey, it’s an opportunity to expand our club’s visual language and these designs are a bold and compelling evolution of our iconography. I think our athletes and supporters will love them.”
If you’re like me and want to order one of these beauties for yourself, they go on sale Friday. If you simply can’t wait, you can preorder one now.
You’ve waited long enough. Order your 2020 Thorns kits NOW.
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 20, 2020
The NWSL season, like most leagues around the world, is currently on hold amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. We hope the league returns soon just so we can these Thorns kits in action. We also can’t wait to see these in Animal Crossing form.
