Portland Thorns Sell-out Amidst More Success

The second team in Portland might not be quite as big as the Timbers yet, but they are making a massive impression following the explosive hype of the USWNT’s World Cup exploits.

The Portland Thorns took on a Washington Spirit in front of a crowd of more than 21,000 in what is one of the most impressive crowds since the explosion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup success for the USWNT. However, this game had a more significant meaning at club level, too; the Thorns were seeing off two legends of the women’s game who are retiring at the end of the year.

Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer and defender Rachel Van Hollebeke both signed off from their illustrious careers in a ridiculous 3-3 draw with the Spirit. Although the Thorns are already out of the playoffs and have nothing left to play for, it was a vital match for sending off two brilliant professionals who have helped the team out no end in the past. Their knowledge, skill, ability to perform and consistency on the field has been a credit to watch.

Angerer, who has been the German national teams first-pick since 2007, decided that she was retiring after the World Cup. Van Hollebeke decided that she was retiring from the game so she could go and try out medical school. Their final match was about as enjoyable as a draw could have been, with six goals and a highly ambitious performance from both sides sending both fans largely away in good spirits.

USWNT stars Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath both scored their first goals of the season for the Thorns, whilst Crystal Dunn hit a brace for the Spirit. It was admittedly a hard game for the duo to play through, and it took away a little bit of the competitive edge to the game – as usually does in events like this.

However, fans might be reading this thinking that the crowd was just to see off two legends; it wasn’t. The Thorns average an amazing 15,000 in most home games, which is by far and away the highest average in the NWSL – it even bellows away some of the MLS teams. In fact, a lot of European leagues struggle to get that kind of average attendance for some of their clubs.

It’s a true testament to the game and the quality of the team on display that the crowds are consistently so high. Both Angerer and van Hollebeke step away from the game with a range of medals and international caps between them; Angerer holds the record in the women’s game for shutouts at a World Cup, going 540 minutes without conceding a goal.

Van Hollebeke steps away from the game having achieved more than 100 caps for her country, and has enjoyed an outstanding career in the game.

We wish both of the girls the best of luck in the future! So, who should the Thorns look to as they try and replace two stars? .