Portland Thorns Updates: Julie Dufour placed on SEI list, Valerin Loboa available for selection, and prematch media availability with Jayden Perry & Rob Gale

Stumptown Radio: Portland Thorns vs San Diego Wave

0:00

/1999.385692

1×

Yesterday, the Portland Thorns announced that they have place forward Julie Dufour on the season-ending injury list. She suffered the injury early in the home match versus San Diego Wave and would be subbed off in the 16th minute.

On Instagram, Dufour (translated) shared the heartbreaking news.

"During our last game against San Diego, I had to leave the field prematurely.
Tests confirmed a torn ACL. A tough blow, certainly, but my mental strength remains intact 🧠
I’m already focused on recovery, with the desire to turn this ordeal into strength.
Thank you to the club, my teammates, and the entire Thorns community for your messages and support. 🌹
See you on the field soon 💪🏼"

In August, Dufour was traded to Portland Thorns from Angel City FC. In five appearances (two starts), she scored two goals for the club.

The string of bad luck and adversity the team has faced this year continues to mount. Portland's SEI list now includes: Morgan Weaver, Caiya Hanks, Marie Müller, Nicole Payne, and now Julie Dufour. 

With limited options in the frontline, expect Portland to rely on the versatility of their players down the stretch.

Update on Valerin Loboa

The Portland Thorns and Rob Gale have confirmed that Valerin Loboa trained all week and will be available for selection in today's match at NJ/NY Gotham FC

Pregame Media Availability with Jayden Perry and Rob Gale

Q: The club just recently extended you, Marie Müller, and now Reyna Reyes, what does that mean to you to see that?

JP: "Yeah, I think it's awesome. I think to start with,Reyna has had a great year and scored some really crucial goals for us. So I think just the club kind of just showing that they back her and that they want her, that's obviously amazing. And that just means that, we're all together for so much longer. And I think Marie, too, obviously, we see her working so hard, just coming back and rehabbing and just doing everything she possibly can to get on the field. But yeah, definitely shows just like the trust that this club has in each one of us and just how they want to see us grow and just keep representing the thorns, you know."

Q: As a rookie, what has been your mindset throughout the season? Especially with the highs, playing time lows, up until now.

JP: "I just definitely think it's a learning curve. I started off really hot, then had like, a little dip. And it's just learning curve, learning what pro football is really like, and how that's so different from college. It's almost like a whole different world, almost, but definitely a learning curve - learning what more I can improve on and how I can sharpen up. And I think that's just been really important for me, and my mindset, honestly, I think has helped me through some of the downs of this season."

Q: What has been the biggest thing you learned just about yourself and the backline?

JP: "Yeah, I think for myself, just the grit, determination, and belief that I have in myself, regardless of any situation - I'm always going to bet on myself and just do everything I possibly can to set myself up to be in good positions. And I think just for this team, I would say, honestly, the same thing. You know, we've had some hard games in the past, and when we go down, then we tie it back up and late in overtime or in stoppage time. Just that belief in one another that we're going to get a result, whether that's a point or three points, but even those games where we have tied, it's really set us up to be in the position that we are now."

Q: What have you seen from Laila Harbert and Valerin Loboa in training?

JP: "They've definitely been great additions to this team. I think Valerin has had two, three practices with us, and she's definitely already made such a difference. She's a critical finisher wherever she is in the box. And we've definitely seen that throughout the three practices she's been in already. And I think Laila just brings in that midfield flair that a lot of us look at, and we're like, 'oh yeah, you know, she's got it.' When a player has 'it' and both of them, they definitely have it. So they're great additions to this team. Loving it so far."

Q: Every Thorn seems to have be an expert at something, right? Whether it's Sam Hiatt with baking, Reyna with DIY, or Mallie McKenzie with pickleball. What's your expertise? Could you share that with us?

JP: I do paint and draw a lot. So I feel like, if we're all along the lines of that, I'd probably say that.

Q: Could we expect a future JP exhibit?

JP: Honestly, one day, after I'm done playing soccer. That's probably my top goal, if I could ever do that, definitely need to get a lot better at it. But yeah, definitely.

Q: Can you share us your thoughts in regards to Reyna Reyes' contract extension?

Q: How has your team continued to handle adversity, especially with so many injuries? Now included on that SEI list, is Julie Dufour as well.

Q: Do you envision Loboa being made available for selection and what is the current health of the rest of the squad?

Q: Do you have to lean on the versatility of your roster more than ever now with the injuries and smaller roster?