It’s all your fault, Rose City Riveters and all you Portland Thorns fans. The face of U.S. women’s soccer, the cover girl of EA Sports FIFA 16, and one of the most recognizable athletes in all of sports, Alex Morgan, is no longer with the Portland Thorns, and it’s all your fault. Because of your relentless support and record setting attendance, Portland was able to give in to the request of its most recognizable player, sacrificing star power in favor of gathering more talent and potential to make the Thorns a better team. Much better.
Last week, the Thorns finalized a trade that sent Alex Morgan (and Kaylyn Kyle) to the expansion team Orlando Pride. For receiving Morgan, the Pride gave Portland the first pick in Monday’s expansion draft in which the Thorns selected Meghan Klingenberg, a top-tier defender who was vital to the U.S. National Team’s World Cup success where she started in every match and played every minute on defense. The Thorns also received the first pick in the College Draft and an international roster spot. It was a no-brainer of a trade for Portland and it would not have been possible without the Thorns fan base and their unyielding support.
Only a team like the Portland Thorns could have traded away soccer’s most marketable player and not worry about their popularity. Only a team like Portland, that has no difficulties filling in seats, averaging over 15,000 in attendance per game, not even flinch at making this trade. Only a team like Portland could make this trade with full knowledge that their fanbase recognizes exactly the kind of deal they are getting in return. While Alex Morgan deserves every bit of her status as a star in her sport, the fact is she was mostly absent last season due to nagging injuries and her commitment to the International Team’s march to World Cup glory. Alex may have been the Thorns most recognizable name, but she was barely around.
Klingenberg will be a great addition to this team along with the infusion of other young talent they should receive from the result of this trade. The Thorns should be playoff contenders again and not only that, they should be contenders to host a playoff game or two, something that hasn’t happened yet in the short history of this franchise. Portland doesn’t need name recognition anymore to put fans in the seats. Portland is in position now where it needs to win games to keep the interest of its fans. Portland is here to win championships, not to be just another sideshow to the International Team.
Orlando, on the other hand, needs a player like Alex Morgan to draw in new fans for a new team. Orland isn’t looking for game wins as much as attendance wins this coming season. With any luck, Morgan will return to hundred percent the player she was before her injuries, which would be a major bonus for the Pride, and there is every indication she could be that player again. Morgan is young, only 26, and if she can get over her recent injury woes, she could be THAT superstar again.
Portland sent a message loud and clear to their fans what kind of team they want to be; it wants to win titles and is willing to make a few sacrifices to get there. While we are all sad to see Morgan go – she was a class act and a great ambassador for the Thorns even when she wasn’t able to play – this trade is great news for fans who want to see this team get better and keep winning for a long time to come. This was the organization’s way of making the same kind of commitment to the team that the fans have made these past few years.
So, congratulations, Thorns fans, you helped trade away one of the most popular names in women’s soccer for a name far lesser known but who help your team immensely. You had a hand in helping accomplish a trade that only a team with a successful fanbase could complete. Because of you, Thorns fans, you have escalated your team for years to come. Because of your support, you may very well be rewarded with another NWSL championship in the near future. Few fan bases can elevate a team as much as Thorns fans have elevated theirs. The Portland Thorns don’t need superstars on the field, they have nearly 15,000 in the stands every night.
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