Thorns Acquire GK Franch, 3rd Round Pick for Catley

The Portland Thorns solidified their goalkeeper situation Thursday, adding former Western New York Flash goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, as well as a 3rd Round Draft Pick (#21 overall) in January's 2016 NWSL College Draft.

In exchange, the Thorns sent Australian international defender Steph Catley to Orlando Pride.

“It has been a priority to head into 2016 with two top goalkeepers,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “Adrianna is a great addition on and off the field and I am very excited we have been successful in bringing her to Portland. She is a commanding goalkeeper with great distribution and superb work ethic.”

Franch, 24, joins the Thorns after spending this past season with Avaldsnes IL of the Norwegian Toppserian, where she made 15 appearances for the club.  In 2013 while playing for the Flash, Franch started all 22 matches for the flash, recording a 10-4-8 record, with 7 clean sheets and a league-best 0.91 goals against average, but missed the 2014 season due to a torn ACL suffered during preseason.  Se was also named to the 2013 Second XI.

Franch will complete with incumbent goalkeeper Michelle Betos for the #1 position.

Catley, 21, joined the Thorns mid-season in 2014, where she made 14 appearance (13 starts) for the Thorns, recording 5 assists, and was named to the 2014 Second XI.  Struggling with injuries following her return from the 2015 Women's World Cup, Catley made 3 appearances (2 starts), logging 179 minutes.

Portland Thorns Press Release

THORNS FC ACQUIRE GOALKEEPER ADRIANNA FRANCH, THIRD-ROUND PICK IN 2016 NWSL COLLEGE DRAFT FROM ORLANDO PRIDE IN EXCHANGE FOR DEFENDER STEPH CATLEY

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that the club has acquired goalkeeper Adrianna Franch and a third-round pick (No. 21 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft from the Orlando Pride in exchange for defender Steph Catley. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“It has been a priority to head into 2016 with two top goalkeepers,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “Adrianna is a great addition on and off the field and I am very excited we have been successful in bringing her to Portland. She is a commanding goalkeeper with great distribution and superb work ethic.”

Franch, 24, competed in the Norwegian Toppserien for Avaldsnes IL during the 2015 campaign, appearing in 15 matches for the club. The sixth-overall pick by the Western New York Flash in the 2013 NWSL College Draft, Franch helped lead the Flash to a regular-season title and a spot in the NWSL Championship match in 2013. In her rookie season, Franch started all 22 regular-season games and both matches in the playoffs, posting a record of 10-4-8 during the 2013 regular season. A 2013 NWSL Second XI selection, Franch registered a league-best 0.91 goals-against average, while also leading the NWSL in saves (98) and registering seven clean sheets. Franch missed the 2014 NWSL season after suffering a torn ACL during preseason camp.

A four-year starter (2009-12) at Oklahoma State, Franch guided the Cowgirls to the NCAA Tournament in three of her four seasons. A three-time All-American and two-time semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, Franch registered 38 career shutouts, a program record, while recording a 0.69 goals-against average and 325 saves across four seasons.

As a youth international, Franch played for the U.S. U-20 and U-23 Women’s National Team, appearing on the roster at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. In addition, Franch was called into camp with the senior national team in 2012 and 2013.

Catley, 21, signed with Thorns FC in 2014, joining the club midseason following the conclusion of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying for Australia. A 2014 NWSL Second XI pick, Catley appeared in 14 matches (13 starts) during her first season, logging five assists.

“Steph is a true professional and we wish her all the best,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of Thorns FC.

The Australian international was unavailable for most of the 2015 season due to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and played in three matches (two starts) as she battled an injury after returning from the tournament.

Adrianna Franch

Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-9
Born: Nov. 12, 1990
Hometown: Salina, Kan.
Last Club: Avaldsnes IL (Norway)
College: Oklahoma State
Citizenship: United States