FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 29, 2022) – The 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday with the Portland Thorns winning their third championship in the league’s decade of existence, overcoming the Kansas City Current 2-0.
US Youth Soccer (USYS) was a noticeable theme amongst those on the Thorns’ roster, with 19 of the 26 (73%) having ties to USYS programs. 2014 Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Training Camp participant Sophia Smith, who became the youngest player to ever win the NWSL regular-season MVP award, was also chosen as the championship’s MVP after opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Crystal Dunn, a mainstay of the United States Women’s National Team since 2013, won her third NWSL Championship in five years after winning two with the North Carolina Courage. Dunn was a five-year member of ODP’s Region I squad and also competed in US Youth Soccer’s National Championship Series Region I Championships.
Becky Sauerbrunn, a former ODP Thanksgiving Interregional participant and another longtime USWNT member, also won her third NWSL Championship. Sauerbrunn won her first two while playing with the now-defunct FC Kansas City in 2014 and 2015.
Portland Thorns Roster by Position
Keepers (3):
- Bella Bixby*
- Shelby Hogan
- Abby Smith*~^
Defenders (8):
- Natalie Beckman*
- Kelli Hubly*
- Meghan Klingenberg*
- Natalia Kuikka
- Tegan McGrady*
- Emily Menges^
- Meaghan Nally^
- Becky Sauerbrunn*^
Midfielders (8):
- Sam Coffey*
- Crystal Dunn*^
- Olivia Moultrie*
- Taylor Porter
- Gabby Provenzano^
- Rocky Rodriguez
- Yazmeen Ryan*^
- Hina Sugita
Forwards (7):
- Janine Beckie*^
- Hannah Betfort^
- Marissa Everett^
- Christine Sinclair
- Sophia Smith*
- Michele Vasconcelos
- Morgan Weaver*
* – US Youth Soccer ODP
~ – US Youth Soccer National League
^ – US Youth Soccer National Championship Series
For more information on US Youth Soccer’s alumni, click here.
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About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.
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