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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 a Thorns-heavy article with Katherine Reynolds announcing her retirement, Simone Charley talking on the Verizon Community Shield winners player panel, a quick look at new signing Natalia Kuikka, and Becky Sauerbrunn content.
Timbers and Thorns
As you may know, Katherine Reynolds announced her retirement on Friday. She wrote a lovely letter going deep into the different parts of her career that you can read here.
Next, Simone Charley talked on the NWSL Twitch channel about what it was like winning $25,000 for Mimi’s Fresh Tees. You can watch her an other select NWSL players talk about the season here.
Next, Farley gives us a quick look at Natalia Kuikka. The Finland International was reported to be joining the club earlier this week and it was made official on Thursday by the Thorns. Learn more about Kuikka here.
And finally, a little laughter to round up the prominent Thorns news. For that, we go back to Sauerbrunn, who apparently takes Hungry Hungry Hippos very seriously. Watch the video below.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) October 25, 2020
When footballers stop being polite and start getting real. pic.twitter.com/PsgYVdhyab
MLS and NWSL News
MLS to use points per game to determine final standings — MLS
Playoff scenarios: Who can clinch, be eliminated this weekend — MLS
MLS announces 25 Greatest, Greatest Goal programs to celebrate 25th season — MLS
LA Galaxy fire Guillermo Barros Schelotto as club sits bottom of Western Conference — ESPN
Inside MLS’s debate over homegrown territory rules — The Athletic (Subscription Required)
MLS announces new 2020 Young Player of the Year award will replace Rookie prize — ESPN
The best MLS fits for former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere — MLS
THEY’RE READY FOR RE-ENTRY: 8 NWSL players available to Racing Louisville — Front Row Soccer
Lisa Baird faces challenges head-on as NWSL commissioner — LA Times
NWSL set rules, new wrinkles for Racing Louisville FC’s expansion draft — Sports Illustrated