History of Portland Thorns FC in Timeline

The Portland Thorns FC is a professional women's soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Founded in 2012, the Thorns began playing in 2013 as part of the initial eight-team NWSL, which received backing from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

2000: Portland Rain Played in PCSL

In 2000, the Portland Rain played in the Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL).

2001: Portland Rain Started by Portland Timbers

In 2001, the Portland Timbers started the first professional women's soccer team in Portland, the Portland Rain, which competed in the USL W-League's W-1 division.

2003: Portland Rain Folded

In 2003, the Portland Rain folded after returning to the PCSL.

2009: Portland Rain Refounded

In 2009, the Portland Rain were re-founded and joined the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL).

2010: Allegations against Paul Riley

More than a dozen players from every team Paul Riley had coached since 2010 spoke to The Athletic, including former Thorns, with allegations against him regarding sexual coercion and verbal abuse. He denied the allegations.

May 2, 2012: Portland Timbers Partner with Portland Rain and OYSA

On May 2, 2012, the Portland Timbers partnered with the Portland Rain and the Oregon Youth Soccer Association's (OYSA) Girls Olympic Development Program (ODP) to facilitate an integrated development structure for Oregon's girls youth soccer to elite women's competition.

November 21, 2012: Formation of NWSL Announced

On November 21, 2012, the formation of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was announced, and Portland was selected as a host for one of the eight teams.

December 13, 2012: Team Name and Logo Announced

On December 13, 2012, the team name was announced as Portland Thorns FC, and a logo was unveiled, both intended to invoke Portland's nickname of the Rose City.

December 19, 2012: First Head Coach Announced

On December 19, 2012, Cindy Parlow Cone was announced as the first head coach of the Portland Thorns FC.

2012: Portland Thorns FC Established

In 2012, Portland Thorns FC was established as an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, to compete in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

January 11, 2013: Player Allocation

On January 11, 2013, the league held its player allocation for the national team players, with Portland receiving seven players, including Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan.

April 9, 2013: Home and Away Kits Unveiled

On April 9, 2013, the Thorns unveiled their home and away kits. The home kit was rose red with a white stripe, black shorts, and red socks. The road kit was white with black shorts and socks. Both uniforms featured sponsorships by Providence Health & Services and Parklane Mattresses and were made by Nike.

April 13, 2013: Inaugural Game

On April 13, 2013, the Thorns played in the new league's inaugural game against FC Kansas City, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Sinclair scored the club's first goal on a penalty kick.

April 2013: Set NWSL Attendance Record

In April 2013, a match between Portland and Seattle broke the league's attendance records with 16,479 attendees.

April 21, 2013: Set NWSL Attendance Record at Home Opener

On April 21, 2013, the Thorns set the NWSL's all-time attendance record at their home opener with 16,479 attendees.

December 5, 2013: Parlow Cone Resigned

On December 5, 2013, Cindy Parlow Cone resigned as head coach of the Portland Thorns FC, citing personal reasons.

2013: Games Streamed Online and Broadcast on Radio

During the 2013 season, Thorns games were streamed online and broadcast on the radio on Freedom 970 AM. Ann Schatz was the play-by-play broadcaster, and Angela Harrison was the color analyst.

2013: Portland Thorns FC Began Play

In 2013, Portland Thorns FC began play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), which at the time had eight teams and received support from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

2013: Defeated Western New York to Win Championship

In 2013, the Flash won the NWSL Shield by goal-difference tiebreak but the Thorns defeated Western New York 2–0 in the championship match. The teams featured rival national team forwards Abby Wambach and Christine Sinclair.

2013: Rose City Riveters Founded

In 2013, the Rose City Riveters, an organized supporters' group, was founded primarily by members of the Portland Timbers supporters' group Timbers Army as the Thorns Alliance.

2013: NWSL Tournament Knockout Matches

In 2013, the Thorns and Flash/Courage have met in more NWSL tournament knockout matches than any other combination of NWSL teams, including the 2013, 2017, and 2018 championship matches, 2016 playoff semifinals, and 2020 Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

2013: Led NWSL in Attendance

In 2013, the Thorns led the NWSL in attendance and were the first team to average more than 10,000 per match in league attendance.

2014: Exceeded Expectations in Ticket Sales

By 2014, the Thorns expected to reach 10,000 season tickets sold, exceeding the front office's initial expectations of 7,000 fans per match.

2014: Schatz and Dougherty as Commentators

In 2014, Ann Schatz returned as the play-by-play broadcaster, with Marian Dougherty joining for color commentary.

2014: Paul Riley's Tenure

In 2014, Paul Riley coached the Portland Thorns FC.

2014: New Head Coach and Attendance Record

In 2014, Paul Riley was announced as the new head coach of the Thorns. The Thorns broke the club's own NWSL attendance record with 19,123 attending an August 3 game at newly renamed Providence Park. The Thorns qualified for the playoffs but were knocked out in the semi-finals by FC Kansas City.

2014: Playoff Qualification

In 2014, the Thorns qualified for the playoffs by defeating the Reign in the season's final match week.

2014: Jessica McDonald Leading Goalscorer

Jessica McDonald, who had been the Thorns' leading goalscorer in 2014 and had defended Daniels' comments and Christian faith post-match comments on May 30, scored a goal against Portland during the championship match, then removed her jersey to display an undershirt with "Jesus Paid It All" written on it.

2014: Third-Largest Seated Capacity in NWSL

Upon the NWSL's founding, Providence Park's seated capacity of 21,144 in 2014 was the third-largest in the NWSL.

June 19, 2015: Goalkeeper Scores Historic Goal

On June 19, 2015, Michelle Betos made NWSL history when she headed the equalizing goal for 10-woman Portland in the 95th minute against FC Kansas City, the first goal scored by a goalkeeper in the league.

July 2015: Broke League Attendance Record

In July 2015, matches between Portland and Seattle broke the league's attendance records with 21,144 attendees, in Portland.

July 23, 2015: Set NWSL Attendance Record

On July 23, 2015, the Thorns set the NWSL's all-time attendance record at the venue's capacity with 21,144 attendees.

October 5, 2015: Mark Parsons Hired as Head Coach

On October 5, 2015, the Thorns hired Mark Parsons to replace Paul Riley as head coach.

2015: Paul Riley's Tenure

In 2015, Paul Riley coached the Portland Thorns FC.

2015: Tied Lowest Finish in the League

In 2015, the Thorns tied their lowest-ever finish in the league, matching their sixth-place standing in the 2024 season.

2016: NWSL Shield win

In 2016, Portland Thorns FC won the NWSL Shield.

2016: NWSL Tournament Knockout Matches

In 2016, the Thorns and Flash/Courage have met in more NWSL tournament knockout matches than any other combination of NWSL teams, including the 2013, 2017, and 2018 championship matches, 2016 playoff semifinals, and 2020 Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

2016: Flash Defeated Portland in Semifinals

In the 2016 semifinals, the Flash defeated Portland after extra time in a 4–3 match. Former Thorns head coach Paul Riley coached the Flash. Riley was ejected from the match in the first half. Christine Sinclair scored the first equalizing goal.

2016: Parsons Served as Head Coach

Mark Parsons served as head coach since 2016.

April 2017: Go90 and NWSL Website Stream Games

As of April 2017, Thorns games are streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.

August 2017: First Win at Seattle's Memorial Stadium

In August 2017, the Thorns won for the first time at Seattle's Memorial Stadium.

September 30, 2017: Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week Broadcast

On September 30, 2017, the Thorns were featured in a nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcast.

2017: Second NWSL Championship Win

In 2017, the Portland Thorns FC won their second NWSL Championship.

2017: NWSL Tournament Knockout Matches

In 2017, the Thorns and Flash/Courage have met in more NWSL tournament knockout matches than any other combination of NWSL teams, including the 2013, 2017, and 2018 championship matches, 2016 playoff semifinals, and 2020 Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

2017: Thorns Win Championship Match

In the 2017 championship match, the Thorns won their revenge and defeated the Courage 1–0 after a highly physical match.

May 30, 2018: Portland Crowd Boos Jaelene Daniels

On May 30, 2018, during a match against the Thorns in Portland, the crowd booed Jaelene Daniels during the starting lineups and each time she touched the ball. Members of the Riveters displayed a rainbow-lettered banner reading "personal reasons".

2018: Transition to Two-Color Crest

From 2018 onward, the team's primary crest was reduced from four to two colors, typically with a red or black background and red or white features.

2018: Jaelene Daniels's Appearance on The 700 Club

In 2018, Courage defender Jaelene Daniels appeared on The 700 Club and discussed her refusal to wear LGBT pride-themed uniforms for the United States national team. A Courage 2018 playoff match was relocated to Portland from Cary, North Carolina, due to Hurricane Florence.

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2018: Courage Defeated Portland in Championship Match

In 2018, the Courage defeated Portland 4–1 in the May 30 match, then 3–0 in the 2018 championship match against — and hosted by — Portland. Jessica McDonald scored a goal and displayed an undershirt with "Jesus Paid It All" written on it.

2018: NWSL Tournament Knockout Matches

In 2018, the Thorns and Flash/Courage have met in more NWSL tournament knockout matches than any other combination of NWSL teams, including the 2013, 2017, and 2018 championship matches, 2016 playoff semifinals, and 2020 Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

2018: Home Wins Against Seattle

In 2018, the Thorns defeated Seattle in back-to-back home matches, first to secure home-pitch advantage and then again in the first round of the playoffs.

2018: Second Place Finish and Playoff Loss

In 2018, the Thorns finished second in the regular season and lost to the Courage in the NWSL Championship game.

August 11, 2019: All-Time Attendance Record

On August 11, 2019, the Thorns set a club all-time attendance record with 25,218 fans at a match against the North Carolina Courage, which also set a league record at the time.

2019: NWSL Continued Play during FIFA Women's World Cup

During the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, matches between the teams earned a reputation for their physicality. The rivalry continued even as United States players from the Thorns and Reign were in France during which the NWSL continued play with a match between the teams.

2019: Green Removed From Crest and Kits

From 2019 to 2022, the Thorns did not use green in either its crest or its kits.

2019: Providence Park Expanded

In 2019, Providence Park was expanded to a seated capacity of 25,218, making it the second-largest NWSL venue at the time.

2019: First to Average 20,000 Per Match

In 2019, the Thorns became the first team to average 20,000 per match in league attendance.

2019: Expanded Use of Black as a Primary Color

In 2019, the Thorns began expanding the use of black as a primary color, with a home kit that had wide black stripe-like blocks.

2019: Attendance Record and Playoff Elimination

In 2019, the Thorns set another league attendance record and were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Chicago Red Stars.

2019: New Secondary Kits Discard Four-Color Crest

In 2019, the team completed its transition to a two- or one-color crest when it revealed new secondary kits that discarded the four-color crest.

October 11, 2020: Community Shield Clinched

On October 11, 2020, the Thorns clinched the 2020 NWSL Fall Series Community Shield with a win over OL Reign.

2020: Matches Played Against Reign

As of June 3, 2023, the Thorns have played more matches against the Reign across the NWSL regular season, playoffs, Challenge Cup, and 2020 Fall Series than any other team in the NWSL, with Portland holding a record of 13–14–8 with a -4 goal differential.

2020: NWSL Tournament Knockout Matches

In 2020, the Thorns and Flash/Courage have met in more NWSL tournament knockout matches than any other combination of NWSL teams, including the 2013, 2017, and 2018 championship matches, 2016 playoff semifinals, and 2020 Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

2020: Women's International Champions Cup Win

In 2020, the Thorns qualified for and hosted the 2021 Women's International Champions Cup as champions of the 2020 Fall Series, and won the friendly tournament by defeating Olympique Lyon 1-0.

2020: Community Shield Win

In 2020, the Thorns won the Community Shield with the best record in the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.

2020: Transition to Black as Primary Color Completed

In 2020, the transition to black as the team's primary color was completed, with a black shirt printed with gray roses and a black and red variation on the original crest.

May 2021: NWSL Challenge Cup Win

In May 2021, the Thorns won the West Division of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a penalty shoot-out.

August 2021: Broke League Attendance Record

In August 2021, matches between Portland and Seattle broke the league's attendance records with 27,248 attendees, in Seattle.

November 2021: New General Manager and Head Coach Hired

In November 2021, Karina LeBlanc was hired as the Thorns' general manager, and Rhian Wilkinson was hired as the new head coach.

2021: Led NWSL in Attendance

From 2013 to 2021, the Thorns led the NWSL in attendance.

2021: NWSL Challenge Cup, Women's International Champions Cup, and NWSL Shield Wins

In 2021, the Thorns won the NWSL Challenge Cup, the Women's International Champions Cup, and the NWSL Shield.

2021: Multi-Year Deal with KPTV and KPDX

In 2021, the team struck a multi-year deal with KPTV and KPDX to be its local broadcast partner.

2021: Riley Investigation

Reports in 2021 revealed that head coach Paul Riley had been investigated for alleged sexual harassment and coercion and quietly terminated in 2015.

October 3, 2022: Yates Report Published

On October 3, 2022, the Sally Yates report was published, indicating that the Portland Thorns FC interfered with the investigation and attempted to impede the use of relevant documents. The report also detailed how Paulson and Wilkinson advised other clubs to hire Paul Riley after his departure.

December 1, 2022: Paulson to Sell Thorns

On December 1, 2022, Merritt Paulson announced that he was selling the Thorns while retaining the Timbers and control of Providence Park.

2022: Green Removed From Crest and Kits

From 2019 to 2022, the Thorns did not use green in either its crest or its kits.

2022: OL Reign and San Diego Wave FC Move to Larger Stadiums

In 2022, OL Reign moved into 68,740-seat Lumen Field and San Diego Wave FC moved into 32,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium.

2022: Third NWSL Championship Win

In 2022, the Thorns finished the regular season in second place and won their third NWSL championship, defeating Kansas City Current 2–0.

January 2023: Mike Norris Promoted to Head Coach

In January 2023, Mike Norris was promoted to the head coaching role after Rhian Wilkinson resigned as coach.

March 2023: Return of Original Design as Heritage Kit

In March 2023, the original four-color crest design reappeared with a "Heritage" designation as part of new secondary kits.

June 3, 2023: Most Matches Played Against Reign

2023: First Use of Green in Team Kits

In 2023, the Thorns used green in the team's kits for the first time.

2023: Second Place Finish and Playoff Loss

The 2023 regular season ended with the Thorns finishing in second place and losing their first-round playoff game to NJ/NY Gotham FC in extra time.

January 3, 2024: Sale of Thorns Completed

On January 3, 2024, the sale of the Thorns to RAJ Sports was completed.

March 27, 2024: Sophia Smith Signs Contract Extension

On March 27, 2024, Sophia Wilson (then named Sophia Smith) was signed by the Thorns to a two-year contract extension that made her the highest paid player in the NWSL.

April 18, 2024: Norris Promoted to Technical Director

On April 18, 2024, following a four-game winless streak, the Thorns promoted Mike Norris to Technical Director, named Rob Gale interim head coach.

July 19, 2024: Gale Named Permanent Head Coach

On July 19, 2024, the Thorns announced that Rob Gale would be the permanent head coach.

2024: Date

As of November 10th, 2024

2024: Broadcasting Platforms

In 2024 Portland Thorns FC games will be broadcast across 5 broadcasting platforms and NWSL's own streaming service. Games will be available on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ION Network, NWSL+, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and prime Video.

2024: 2024 Regular Season

In 2024, the Thorns had a modestly successful regular season, overcoming a slow start to secure a playoff spot by finishing sixth in the NWSL standings. The Thorns were then eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Gotham FC on November 10. The playoff loss was the final match of Sinclair's professional career, and LeBlanc's last as general manager.

January 7, 2025: Jeff Agoos Named General Manager and Club President

On January 7, 2025, the Thorns announced that Jeff Agoos would succeed LeBlanc as general manager. Agoos was also named club president.

2025: Gale Departs, Lowdon Named Interim Head Coach

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Thorns announced that Gale and the club had agreed to part ways, with assistant coach Sarah Lowdon to serve as interim head coach.