While Lindsey Horan and Crystal Dunn are currently away on USWNT duty in Orlando at the SheBelieves Cup, their futures are now firmly set in the Rose City. Both players put pen to paper and have signed three-year deals to remain with the Thorns on Wednesday.
Both deals are unique, in that this will be the first time the club uses allocation money to directly pay USWNT players, instead of using federation money.
“Having the ability to sign two of the top players in the game to contract with Thorns FC is an important move for out club that highlighted our commitment as well as the growth of the NWSL in the global soccer landscape.” Said Gavin Wilkinson, Thorns FC general managers and president of soccer. “Lindsey and Crystal are important individuals when it comes to our short-term goals and for the long-term success of this club.”
The upcoming NWSL campaign will be the first season in Portland for Dunn and the sixth season with the club for Horan. The two former NWSL MVP’s will encompass an exciting combination of promising talent alongside league stalwarts such as Christine Sinclair and Meghan Klingenberg.
“Lindsey and Crystal are key pillars to our future,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “Their role on and off the field is crucial to our identity and the collective goals of the club. I am inspired by their dedication to the team and our vision to take this important step forward as a club.”
The Thorns open the 2021 season in the form of the NWSL Challenge Cup, set to begin April 9th. Following the Challenge Cup, teams will face off in a 24-game regular season beginning May 15th.
