Portland Thorns provide roster update in early stages of crucial offseason

Portland Thorns soccer

Portland Thorns forward Michele Vasconcelos (#15) celebrates after her a goal in the 23rd minute during an NWSL Challenge Cup match against Angel City at Providence Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

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The Portland Thorns announced their updated roster status Monday ahead of the 2024 season, moving along what will be a busy offseason around the NWSL.

The mutual contract option for forward Michele Vasconcelos has been declined, and contract negotiations are ongoing with midfielder Gabby Provenzano. Forward Natalie Beckman is out of contract and has not been extended a bona fide offer, making her eligible for selection in the NWSL re-entry wire.

Defender Rikke Sevecke will not return to the club. The Thorns signed her with three matches left in the 2023 regular season, and she did not make an appearance for Portland.

Midfielder Crystal Dunn already announced her departure from the Thorns in free agency. Portland’s other unrestricted free agents include Christine Sinclair — who is expected to be back for likely her final season with the club — along with Becky Sauerbrunn, Tegan McGrady, and Meghan Klingenberg. Entering restricted free agency, meaning the Thorns hold the right to match any contract offers from other NWSL clubs, are Natalia Kuikka and Taylor Porter.

Portland has 16 players under contract entering free agency and prior to the Dec. 15 NWSL expansion draft: Janine Beckie, Hannah Betfort, Bella Bixby, Sam Coffey, Izzy D’Aquila, Shelby Hogan, Kelli Hubly, Lauren Kozal, Emily Menges, Olivia Moultrie, Meaghan Nally, Reyna Reyes, Rocky Rodríguez, Sophia Smith, Hina Sugita and Morgan Weaver.

The Thorns can protect up to nine players for the expansion draft. Two new NWSL teams will make picks in the draft: Utah Royals FC and Bay FC. If a Thorns player is selected by either club, Portland can add another name to its protection list.

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