Want to catch up on the latest Portland Thorns news? We've got you covered.
The Captain
Sam Hiatt was named the lone representative for the team in NWSL's Best XI for April.
The Portland Thorns captain has been influential, helping lead the backline to five clean sheets in eight matches - second best in the league.
Stars of the month ✨
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 5, 2026
Here is April’s @Amazon Prime Best XI. pic.twitter.com/dKOyWDQEQk
Who else should have made the Best XI? A lot of potential snubs...
Goalkeeping Trio is Complete
The club announced that they have signed Morgan Messner to a two-year contract extension through 2028.
“Morgan stepped up at the start of the year when the opportunity was presented to her to lead the backline and her performances in goal were critical to helping us start the season off strong,” President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos said. “She has been a valuable member of our competitive goalkeeping unit and we look forward to supporting her continued development over the next few years.”
Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)
With Bella Bixby placed on the SEI list, and Mackenzie Arnold out on internation duty, the former non-roster invitee, stepped up with two clean sheets in three starts.
Messner became only the third goalkeeper in club history (alongside Bella Bixby and Nadine Angerer) to earn a shutout in a league debut.
She followed it up with another clean sheet, this time in the home opener versus Seattle Reign - only the second time in club history that the Thorns opened a season with two consecutive clean sheets.
She's Back!
Last weekend it was announced that the club's all-time leading shutouts leader, Bella Bixby, signed a one-year contract extension through 2027.
“Bella has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism on and off the pitch over the course of her career with the Thorns,” President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos said. “Her veteran presence strengthens our Club’s culture and identity, and we look forward to continuing to support her rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 NWSL season.”
Portland Thorns FC
Goalkeeper Coach Changes
Last Thursday, the club announced that interim goalkeeper coach Amrik Hare would be departing the club. He joined the team alongside Sarah Lowdon for the 2026 preseason and the start of the regular season.
He helped guide Morgan Messner and Mackenzie Arnold to strong starts on the season.
On Saturday, Mattias Gustafsson was announced as the new goalkeeping coach and would be available for today's road match.
The Sweden native, arrives after six years with BK Häcken Women. He worked alongside Robert Vilahamn from 2020-2023. Gustafsson was a part of three UEFA Women’s Champions League tournaments (2020/21, 2021/22, 2023/24).
Portland Thorns FCWhat's next?
New goalkeeeper coach Mattias Gustafsson will lead Messner, Bixby, and potentially their current starter this season and beyond.
Mackenzie "Macca" Arnold has a mutual option for 2027 which will decided quite soon. It'll either be announced as the option being picked up or as part of the free agents list.
Will the Portland Thorns roll out their goalkeeper trio for 2027?
