Thorns acquire Andressinha from Houston for Savannah Jordan

The Thorns have traded forward Savannah Jordan to Houston for Brazilian midfielder Andressinha, the team announced in a press release.

Portland picked Jordan up as the 18th overall pick in the 2017 college draft, with the understanding that she’d be spending the season abroad. She had a brief stint with Glasgow City FC before unexpectedly returning to Portland in August with a foot injury. After recovering, she got just nine minutes in two matches with the Thorns.

Andressinha, a possession-oriented central midfielder, slots into a starting midfield that currently looks to include Lindsey Horan and Christine Sinclair—and at just 22, she could be a long-term investment for the Thorns. In the wake of Dagny Brynjarsdottir’s pregnancy and Allie Long’s departure, she’s a strong addition to a suddenly thin midfield.

From Houston’s end, though, this trade is a strange one. Andressinha was one of the bright spots in a relatively dismal season for the Dash, and on a roster that already includes Rachel Daly, Nichelle Prince, and (assuming she returns from injury) Kealia Ohai, Jordan won’t likely be a starter.

The team’s press release is below:

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that the club has acquired midfielder Andressinha from the Houston Dash in exchange for forward Savannah Jordan. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Andressinha is a smart and creative midfielder that brings the ability to control and dictate the tempo of a game,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “She can score special goals from distance and has the intelligence to create opportunities for others out of nothing. Her experience in the NWSL, and internationally as a key player for Brazil, makes her a strong addition to the club.

Andressinha, 22, signed with the Dash in July 2015, appearing in 38 games (35 starts) during her three seasons in Houston. The Brazilian international played in 16 games (13 starts) during the 2017 campaign, tallying two goals and three assists. Prior to arriving in the United States, Andressinha played professionally in Brazil with Kindermann (2010-15), helping the side to a league cup title.

At the international level, Andressinha has earned 21 caps for the Brazil Women’s National Team and scored seven goals. She made her debut for the senior national team in 2012 at the age of 17 against Denmark and scored her first international goal at age 19 against China. Andressinha appeared in all five matches for Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympics and started all four matches for Brazil at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, registering the game-winning assist in the team’s final group game of the tournament against Costa Rica. In addition, Andressinha featured in both the 2012 and 2010 U-17 FIFA World Cup, captaining the side in 2012 and starting all four matches in 2010 at the age of 15.

Jordan, 22, was selected by Portland as the 18th overall pick in the 2017 NWSL Draft, and signed with Thorns FC in August 2017. In one season with Portland, Jordan made two substitute appearances.

Andressinha

Pronunciation: ahn-DRESS-in-YA

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-3

Born: May 1, 1995

Hometown: Roque Gonzales, Brazil

Last Club: Houston Dash

College: n/a

Citizenship: Brazil