Thorns Waive Defender Nikki Marshall

As the flurry of NWSL roster moves were beginning to hit Twitter late this afternoon, we all figured some news must be coming from the Thorns front office. I just didn't think it would be this: After starting every game for the 2013 NWSL champion Thorns, defender Nikki Marshall was waived today.

Here's the statement from the FO:

THORNS FC WAIVE DEFENDER NIKKI MARSHALL

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC announced today that the club has waived defender Nikki Marshall.

"During our inaugural season, Nikki Marshall has been a very good player both on and off the field for Portland Thorns FC," head coach Cindy Parlow Cone said. "Nikki played a very significant role in our success during the season and we can't thank her enough for her service to the club and for helping Portland win the first NWSL championship."

Marshall, 25, was one of three players to start all 22 regular-season matches for Thorns FC during the inaugural 2013 National Women's Soccer League season. The Mead, Colo., native logged one assist in 1,871 minutes played. During the postseason, Marshall played all 210 minutes of Portland's championship run, providing the game-tying assist in a 3-2 win over FC Kansas City in the NWSL semifinals on Aug. 24. Marshall was signed by the club as a free agent on Jan. 31.