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NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Re-Sign Defender Emily Menges

January 28, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced that the club has signed defender Emily Menges to a three-year contract.

"We are pleased to re-sign Emily. She exemplifies what it means to be a Thorns player with her professionalism, abilities and overall contributions both on and off the field. Her commitment to the organization helps drive the culture within the club," said Gavin Wilkinson, Thorns FC general manager and president of soccer. "She is a quality player, who brings many elements that are extremely important to our overall success."

Menges, 28, will begin her eighth season with Thorns FC in 2021. Among players in club history, Menges ranks second all-time in games played (117), games started (116) and minutes played (10,334). She is one of two players to play in more than 100 games and log more than 10,000 minutes with the club. During her tenure, Menges has helped Portland win an NWSL Shield (2016) and an NWSL Championship (2017), appearing in 133 games across all competitions, while making 131 starts. Individually, Menges earned NWSL Best XI honors in 2016 and NWSL Second XI accolades in 2017 and 2018.

"Emily continues to evolve as a center back, exhibiting consistent quality in possession and a commitment to shutting down every team we play," said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons. "She is a caring person, exceptional teammate and selfless leader who has been key to our success and will play a critical role in our future."

In 2020, Menges featured in a total of nine games across the Challenge Cup and Fall Series, making eight starts. During her time with the club, Menges has played in 15 or more matches each regular season, logging more than 1,300 minutes every season from 2014 through 2019. Notably, she holds the club record for consecutive minutes played (3,683), spanning from April 17, 2016, to Sept. 2, 2017.

A third-round pick (No. 25 overall) in the 2014 NWSL College Draft out of Georgetown University, Menges played in 23 matches (22 starts) in her rookie campaign. She made her professional debut on April 12, 2014, on the road against the Houston Dash.

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