Around the Forest: Timbers in Rwanda, Crystal Dunn, and USWNT

Welcome back to Around the Forest! Each week, we like to put together some of the coolest stories about the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC. We even like to throw some other MLS and NWSL stories in there too. This week, we have the Timbers helping the youth in Rwanda, Richard Farley on the Crystal Dunn trade, and quick update from Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith from USWNT camp.

Timbers and Thorns

In a very cool story about the Togetherness Youth Cooperative in Kigali, Rwanda, you can read about how the Timbers and the Fields For All program have partnered together to give the kids of Togetherness a place to play. You can read about it here.

As you may have heard, the Thorns were a part of a blockbuster trade on Thursday that is bringing Crystal Dunn to Portland. Richard Farley put what the trade means into perspective on Timbers.com.

And finally, Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith addressed the media after the first full-team training day in Colorado for the U.S. Women’s National Team camp. You can listen to that podcast here.

MLS and NWSL

Supporters’ Shield to be awarded in 2020 following reversal of decision — MLS

Colorado Rapids emerge from COVID-19 outbreak that canceled games, sapped spirit — The Athletic (subscription required)

Which team gets the most minutes out of its young players? — MLS

St. Louis lands yet another MLS team, only this one won’t take the field — St. Louis Business Journal

Recent trades of homegrown players show new MLS economy emerging — MLS

Will an MLS team please go rescue Mesut Ozil from Arsenal — MLS

FiveThiryEight: Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC on collision course for another MLS Cup — MLS

New Los Angeles NWSL team officially unveiled as Angel City FC, announces additions to ownership group — MLS

Five players who boosted their stock during the NWSL Fall Series thanks to standout performances — CBS Sports

NWSL sees US TV audiences grow 500% YoY — SportsPro

Think there’s something we missed? Let us know below!