Stanford to the Rose City
Earlier this week, the Portland Thorns announced their first signing of the offseason: Stanford midfielder Shae Harvey. She signed a three-year contract through 2028.
“Shae brings leadership, composure, and a winning mentality that stood out to us immediately,” said General Manager Jeff Agoos. “As a captain at Stanford, she led by example and by voice, and that translates on the field. She has the physical profile and soccer intelligence to influence the game in every phase and in every area of the pitch.”
another Cardinal is headed to PDX 🌲🌹 We’ve signed Stanford University midfielder Shae Harvey through the 2028 season! Welcome to Portland, Shae 👏
— Portland Thorns FC (@thornsfc.com) 2025-12-29T20:06:41.861Z
Harvey was rated as one of the top midfielders in the NCAA and 46th overall according to Top Drawer Soccer.
The Cardinal captain had one year of eligibility left, but opted to go pro. This is important because her stock was likely going to skyrocket even more in 2026.
This is a significant addition to the squad with a lack of midfielders, but now includes: Sam Coffey, Olivia Moultrie, Jessie Fleming, Deyna Castellanos (listed by team), and newly signed Shae Harvey.
At 5'10", she brings much-needed size to the midfield room and so much more.
Numbers for new Portland signee Shae Harvey.
— Chris Henderson (@chris_awk) December 30, 2025
The Stanford midfielder is forgoing her final season of eligibility to go pro. pic.twitter.com/fydZ5iKapX
I will be speaking with Stanford Sports' play-by-play commentator later today with more insight on the new midfield signing. Be on the lookout for that podcast episode.
Portland Timbers Adding Another A-League CB
After striking gold with star center back Finn Surman, the Portland Timbers are heading back to the A-League with another addition.
The New Zealand international originally joined the club from Wellington Phoenix FC, and will now be joined by another A-League CB.
According to Daniel Garb and Tom Bogert, the Timbers are finalizing a deal to sign Western Sydney Wanderers' Alex Bonetig. He has earned 59 caps with the club and is knocking on the door with the Australian Men's National Team.
🇦🇺 Sources: Portland Timbers finalizing a deal to sign Australian center back Alex Bonetig from Western Sydney Wanderers. Bonetig, 23, has made 59 first team apps for the club. Athletic CB. He's been called into Australia national team but hasn't debuted yet
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2026-01-01T16:30:42.948Z
One of the biggest, if not the most-pressing need for the club was at CB. This addition gives them much-needed reinforcements to the backline.
Adam Susman believes Bonetig could challenge Kamal Miller immediately for a starting spot opposite Surman.
Who will be the opening day starters at center back?
After finding tremendous success with Finn Surman, the Timbers sign another young CB from the A-League. #RCTID
— Adam Susman (@Adam_Susman) January 1, 2026
Bonetig will depart Western Sydney for the first time in his career to compete with Kamal Miller for a starting spot in Portland. https://t.co/yjVwcpku9k pic.twitter.com/bWPWrFyeUA
