USWNT star forward Sophia Wilson designated available for selection against C.F. Monterrey along with defender Marie Müller and new goalkeeper signing Erin McKinney
PORTLAND, Ore. (March 5, 2026) – The Portland Thorns announced today that it has removed the maternity leave (ML) designation for forward Sophia Wilson and the season-ending injury (SEI) designation for defender Marie Müller, both being medically cleared following successful completion of their return-to-play (RTP) protocols.
Wilson — the 2022 NWSL MVP and Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team — will be available for selection for the Thorns preseason match against C.F. Monterrey at Providence Park on Friday, March 6. The match will provide the first opportunity for Thorns fans to witness Wilson make her long-awaited return to the pitch, bringing elite offensive firepower for Portland’s 2026 NWSL season.
Müller’s return will further reinforce the Thorns backline heading into the 2026 season. The German native was a key component for Portland’s defense during the 2024 season, helping the team clinch a playoff berth and a spot in the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup Finals.
Additionally, goalkeeper Erin McKinney has been signed to a short-term contract through March 2026. McKinney was a trialist with the Thorns during the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational last month and has been previously rostered for Gotham FC, Houston Dash and most recently, Fort Lauderdale United FC of the USL Super League.
Kickoff for the preseason match against Monterrey is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and tickets are available now at thorns.com/tickets.
Fans interested in purchasing Thorns tickets for the 2026 NWSL season are encouraged to call the ticket office at 503.509.5555, email ticketsales@thorns.com or visit thorns.com/tickets for more information.
The Thorns 2026 contracted roster currently features the following players:
Goalkeepers (4): Mackenzie Arnold (INTL), Bella Bixby (SEI), Morgan Messner, Erin McKinney
Defenders (9): Carolyn Calzada, Daiane (LOAN), Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie, Marie Müller (INTL), Isabella Obaze (INTL), Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola
Midfielders (5): Cassandra Bogere (INTL), Deyna Castellanos, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Shae Harvey, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (10): Mimi Alidou (INTL), Julie Dufour (INTL - SEI), Caiya Hanks (SEI), Valerin Loboa (INTL), Maddie Padelski, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver (SEI), Sophia Wilson
INTL – Player holds an international roster slot; LOAN – Player out on loan;
SEI – Season-Ending Injury (SEI); ML – Maternity Leave
Note: Players on SEI do not hold a spot on the active roster and do not count towards the NWSL’s 26-player roster limit.
Note: The Thorns currently possess nine international roster slots (INTL).
About Portland Thorns
Founded in 2012, the Portland Thorns are a global leader in women’s soccer, defined by unmatched fan support, championship success, and a longstanding commitment to excellence since their inaugural 2013 season. The Thorns have created one of the premier environments in women’s sports at Providence Park, leading the NWSL in average attendance for a league-record ninth time in 2025 and hosting four of the five largest-attended matches during the 2025 season. Portland is the winningest club in NWSL history, capturing a league-record three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), and the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, while qualifying for the postseason a league-high 11 times. Looking ahead, the club’s investment in the world’s first dual-sport women’s performance center, set to open in 2026, will foster an environment that champions innovation, elevates athlete development, and enhances elite performance.
USWNT star forward Sophia Wilson designated available for selection against C.F. Monterrey along with defender Marie Müller and new goalkeeper signing Erin McKinney
PORTLAND, Ore. (March 5, 2026) – The Portland Thorns announced today that it has removed the maternity leave (ML) designation for forward Sophia Wilson and the season-ending injury (SEI) designation for defender Marie Müller, both being medically cleared following successful completion of their return-to-play (RTP) protocols.
Wilson — the 2022 NWSL MVP and Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team — will be available for selection for the Thorns preseason match against C.F. Monterrey at Providence Park on Friday, March 6. The match will provide the first opportunity for Thorns fans to witness Wilson make her long-awaited return to the pitch, bringing elite offensive firepower for Portland’s 2026 NWSL season.
Müller’s return will further reinforce the Thorns backline heading into the 2026 season. The German native was a key component for Portland’s defense during the 2024 season, helping the team clinch a playoff berth and a spot in the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup Finals.
Additionally, goalkeeper Erin McKinney has been signed to a short-term contract through March 2026. McKinney was a trialist with the Thorns during the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational last month and has been previously rostered for Gotham FC, Houston Dash and most recently, Fort Lauderdale United FC of the USL Super League.
Kickoff for the preseason match against Monterrey is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and tickets are available now at thorns.com/tickets.
Fans interested in purchasing Thorns tickets for the 2026 NWSL season are encouraged to call the ticket office at 503.509.5555, email ticketsales@thorns.com or visit thorns.com/tickets for more information.
The Thorns 2026 contracted roster currently features the following players:
Goalkeepers (4): Mackenzie Arnold (INTL), Bella Bixby (SEI), Morgan Messner, Erin McKinney
Defenders (9): Carolyn Calzada, Daiane (LOAN), Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie, Marie Müller (INTL), Isabella Obaze (INTL), Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola
Midfielders (5): Cassandra Bogere (INTL), Deyna Castellanos, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Shae Harvey, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (10): Mimi Alidou (INTL), Julie Dufour (INTL - SEI), Caiya Hanks (SEI), Valerin Loboa (INTL), Maddie Padelski, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver (SEI), Sophia Wilson
INTL – Player holds an international roster slot; LOAN – Player out on loan;
SEI – Season-Ending Injury (SEI); ML – Maternity Leave
Note: Players on SEI do not hold a spot on the active roster and do not count towards the NWSL’s 26-player roster limit.
Note: The Thorns currently possess nine international roster slots (INTL).
About Portland Thorns
Founded in 2012, the Portland Thorns are a global leader in women’s soccer, defined by unmatched fan support, championship success, and a longstanding commitment to excellence since their inaugural 2013 season. The Thorns have created one of the premier environments in women’s sports at Providence Park, leading the NWSL in average attendance for a league-record ninth time in 2025 and hosting four of the five largest-attended matches during the 2025 season. Portland is the winningest club in NWSL history, capturing a league-record three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), and the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, while qualifying for the postseason a league-high 11 times. Looking ahead, the club’s investment in the world’s first dual-sport women’s performance center, set to open in 2026, will foster an environment that champions innovation, elevates athlete development, and enhances elite performance.
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