Tobin Heath Will Not Join Thorns until July 1

United States international midfielder Tobin Heath will not be joining the Thorns until the beginning of July.

Heath, 26, has been playing with Paris Saint-Germain of France's Division 1 Féminine, scoring 5 goals in 22 appearances over the past two seasons.

Last season, Heath joined the Thorns on July 14, making 7 appearances and recorded 3 assists in the regular season, before scoring in each of the Thorns playoff matches, including the game-winner over Western New York off a perfectly placed free kick from 35 yards out.

"It's going to be July 1^st," Thorns head coach Paul Riley revealed after training Saturday.  "I wish it was before July 1^st because she's such a critical piece.  I think that we're missing that creative element.  Obviously we've got Vero here.  I think having those two together will be a great addition on the field.  And she's smart.  She's intelligent.  You know we talk about wizards and warriors: we've got a lot of warriors going out tomorrow and she's a wizard.  I think, if we can get her with the group, I think she'll be a really positive impact.  But we're going to have to wait, unfortunately.  It is what it is and we'll only have her for probably 9, 10 games, which is unfortunate, but it is what it is again."

Heath is currently with the United States Women's National Team and played Saturday in their 1-0 victory over France.  She played 49 minutes and was replaced by Thorns teammate Alex Morgan after going down with an injury, Morgan's first appearance with the USWNT since November 2013.

No injury update was given following the match.