Thorns Release Preseason Roster

The Portland Thorns released their 2016 preseason roster as they opened preseason camp today.

New faces to the Thorns include Danish international Nadia Nadim, Icelandic international Dagny Brynjarsdottir, United States internationals Lindsey Horan, Meghan Klingenberg, Emily Sonnett, NWSL veterans Adriana Franch and Katherine Reynolds, and Thorns draftee McKenzie Berryhill.

The roster features 21 players, including the following four non-roster invitees:

Emily Kruger, GK, spent last season as the Thorns third goalkeeper, serving as the backup to Michelle Betos during Nadine Angerer's absence for 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, but did not appear for the Thorns during the regular season.  A standout for the California Golden Bears during her collegiate career (2010-2013), she briefly joined Icelandic professional side KR Reykjavik before joining the Thorns prior to last season..

Shade Pratt, DEF, was drafted by Sky Blue FC with the 25th pick of the 2015 NWSL College Draft, but she did not make an appearance for the team.  A speedy two-sport (soccer and track) athlete with the Maryland Terrapins (2011-2014), Pratt started the majority of her appearances her sophomore through senior years, leading the Terps in scoring her senior year.

Celeste Boureille, MID, recently completed her senior season with the California Golden Bears, finishing second on the team with 5 goals and 2 assists in 22 appearances. Appearing at both forward and midfielder in 84 collegiate appearances, Boureille scored 16 goals and added 8 assists for her career.  She also appeared with the Colorado Rush of the now-defunct USL W-League in 2015, scoring 8 goals.

Anna Maria Gilbertson, FW, recently completed her senior season with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as the team's leading scorer with 13 goals and 3 assists in 20 appearances, with 6 game-winners, following three seasons as a top reserve.  Making 85 appearances for the Irish, she scored 26 goals and added 6 assists for her career.

The Thorns will train this week at Providence Park, in preparation for their Preseason Tournament from March 27 to April 2, and will feature the Seattle Reign, Houston Dash,and Oregon State Beavers, and will open the 2016 season on Sunday, April 17, against league-newcomers Orlando Pride.

Portland Thorns Press Release:

THORNS FC ANNOUNCE 2016 PRESEASON ROSTER

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have announced their 2016 preseason roster as the team opened training for its fourth season in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Training began today at Providence Park and will continue in preparation for the 2016 NWSL season. Several players will join the team later this week after wrapping up games with their respective national teams.

Thorns FC play host to expansion side the Orlando Pride to open the 2016 regular season at Providence Park on Sunday, April 17; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific).

2016 Thorns FC Preseason Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Michelle Betos, Adrianna Franch, Emily Kruger*

Defenders (8): McKenzie Berryhill, Kendall Johnson, Meghan Klingenberg, Emily Menges, Shade Pratt*, Katherine Reynolds, Emily Sonnett, Kat Williamson

Midfielders (6): Celeste Boureille*, Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Allie Long, Mana Shim

Forwards (4): Anna Maria Gilbertson*, Nadia Nadim, Christine Sinclair, Jodie Taylor

*Non-roster invitee