Portland Thorns and Mana Shim part ways

The Portland Thorns announced today that the team has mutually parted ways with the 25 year-old Hawaiian midfielder.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Mana and we are extremely appreciative of her contributions to this club over the past five seasons and wish her all the best,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for Thorns FC. “Mana has been presented with an opportunity to play abroad and at this stage in the season, with every player competing for minutes on a deep roster, we want to allow her to pursue that option.”

- Gavin Wilkinson; Source

Shim will be put on waivers after appearing in 74 career matches, which is fourth most in Thorns history and 46 of those were starts. She joined in 2013 after an open tryout and has an NWSL Title and Shield on her resume. Here’s what she had to say about her time at the club.

“While I am excited to move forward with my career overseas, it is very difficult for me to say goodbye,” said Shim. “My time with the Thorns has been beyond anything I could have imagined. I would like to thank Merritt Paulson, Gavin Wilkinson, Mark Parsons, the staff, my unbelievable teammates, and the best fans in the world for allowing me the opportunity to play in this beautiful city. We have created so many memories that I will never forget. My heart is full of gratitude, and I will miss this place.”

According to a tweet this morning Shim is headed to Sweden.

We here at Stumptown Footy wish Mana the best at her new club!