The Portland Thorns are adding yet another piece to the NWSL’s best attack, continuing their trend of accentuating the roster with players from Canada.
The Thorns on Thursday announced the signing of Canadian forward Adriana Leon to a short-term loan. Leon, who currently plays for Manchester United in England’s WSL, will be on loan with the Thorns until June 30.
“An opportunity was presented to us to bring Adriana to Portland, and we believe this is a move that is beneficial for both the club and Adriana,” Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc said in a release. “She wants to be here and take advantage of the opportunity in a competitive environment ahead of the World Cup. Adriana has the ability to make an impact as we strengthen this special group with her talent to help continue to push us forward.”
The 30-year-old Leon primarily plays as a winger and will add forward depth to Portland’s roster after Canadian national teammate Janine Beckie suffered a season-ending tear of her anterior cruciate ligament.
Leon joined Manchester United in July 2022 after nearly four seasons with West Ham United. She had one goal in five appearances for Manchester United and 13 goals in 59 appearances for West Ham. Leon has 96 caps for the Canada women’s national team, part of the 2020 Olympic gold medal squad.
Prior to her time in England, Leon spent the start of her professional career in NWSL with the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash, Sky Blue FC and Seattle Reign FC.
“Adriana is an excellent addition to our deep and talented roster,” Thorns coach Mike Norris said in the release. “She brings a wealth of experience both at the international level and club level. An out-and-out winger, she likes to play on the front foot and go at defenders, and we feel she will fit our playing style well.”
The Thorns play the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Providence Park. A live broadcast will be available on CBS Sports Network and through the Paramount+ app.
— Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke