The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11^th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
**Portland Thorns FC**
2022 Season : 2 ^nd | 10-3-9 – 39 points
Big Additions : * Izzy D’Aquila – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 12 overall pick
Key Games : * March 26: Orlando Pride (H) – Regular Season Opener * April 19: San Diego Wave FC (A) – Challenge Cup Opener * June 3: OL Reign (A) – Cascadia Rivalry
What to Know :
The Thorns may have fallen just short of a regular season title last year, but a 2-0 win over Kansas City saw them win their third NWSL Championship and cap off an incredible year. Now under the direction of head coach Mike Norris, Portland is no doubt one of the favorites to make a regular season run and could find themselves right back in the title decider if their talent on paper translates to the field once again.
There aren’t a massive amount of additions to discuss, though drafting Izzy D’Aquila to give the club more depth at forward will only help an already stacked attacking line. The club’s first draft pick–midfielder Reyna Reyes, who was selected with the fifth pick in the NWSL Draft–is still in contract negotiations.
Irrespective of that, Portland is running it back with goalkeeper Bella Bixby, a whole host of defenders Kelli Hubly, Meghan Klingenberg, Natalia Kuikka, Becky Sauerbrunn, and others as they look to build on what was one of the best defenses in the league in 2022. Just ahead in midfield is a whole mix of talent that sees Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Olivia Moultrie, Hina Sugita, and more all fighting for limited space. Norris might have a selection headache when it comes to who to field moving forward, but it’s the best possible problem to have.
The aforementioned attack that features Christine Sinclair, who signed a one-year extension after last year’s successes, will see D’Aquila and Morgan Weaver look to contribute even more this season. However, it is the seemingly always in-form Sophia Smith who will aim to light up the scoresheet and the crowd alike as she returns and remains one of the most lethal finishers in the league. One of the lone downfalls of the club’s preseason came with the injury to Janine Beckie, one that will cause her to miss the Women’s World Cup.
With all eyes on Portland’s run to repeat, the difference maker will be the Thorns’ ability to once again defend well and continue to unlock their prolific attack.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights