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Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom announced on Tuesday that she is retiring after five years in the NWSL, including four with the Thorns from 2017 to 2020.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper played in 26 matches across all competitions during her time in Portland, recording seven shutouts. Eckerstrom played in 20 regular season matches with Portland, tallying 71 saves and five shutouts.
The 2020 season in particular was a successful one for Eckerstrom. She played in six of Portland’s 10 matches across all competitions and put together some solid performances, including an 11-save shutout performance in the quarterfinal of the Challenge Cup against the North Carolina Courage. Eckerstrom had a pair shutouts and 32 saves in 2020, posting a goals-against average of 0.67.
Before coming to Portland, Eckerstrom played for the Western New York Flash in 2016, appearing in three matches before the Thorns traded for her ahead of the 2017 season.
You can read the full press release here and see quotes below.
Quotes about Eckerstrom’s Retirement
Britt Eckerstrom, Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper...
“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to call Portland home for the last four years. What an incredible experience it has been to play for this city and our amazing fans. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking out onto the field at Providence Park on game day. Thank you, Mark, Nadine, Gavin, Merritt, and the entire Thorns organization for allowing me the opportunity to live out my dream. This team will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
“It has been an honor to play this game alongside such inspiring strong women. I’m excited about the continued growth of the league and so happy I had the opportunity to play a role in its history. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and will forever be cheering on the Thorns.”
Gavin Wilkinson, Portland Thorns FC GM and president of soccer...
“On behalf of Thorns FC, I would like to thank Britt for her time with us and for her contributions to the club, both on and off the field. We respect and support this decision and wish Britt all the best in her future endeavors.”
Mark Parsons, Portland Thorns FC head coach...
“Britt is the true definition of being team first – a special teammate who consistently gives and elevates those around her,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. “She pushed boundaries in her own performance every single day and is going out on a high note with some of her very best performances in 2020 and maybe the best performance I have ever seen in the quarterfinal of the Challenge Cup. While we are sad to lose her, I am excited to see Britt crush her next opportunity with the entire Thorns family behind her.”