NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Sign Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan and Defender Hannah Betfort

Published on June 5, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced that the club has signed two of their 2021 NWSL Draft picks, midfielder Yazmeen Ryan and defender Hannah Betfort. Ryan, the sixth pick in the draft, has signed a three-year contract with an option, while Betfort, the 37th pick in 2021, has signed a one-year contract with an option.

Ryan joins the Thorns FC after helping lead TCU to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance, Ryan finished the 2020-2021 season with 7 goals and 6 assists, leading her team in points (20). In her four years at TCU, Ryan appeared in 75 career matches (71 starts), tallying 23 goals and 23 assists. Notably, Ryan was a 2020-21 United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American, a three-time First Team All-Midwest Region selection (2018, 2019, 2020-21), and selected to the First Team All-Big 12 in 2018 and 2019. As a freshman in 2017, Ryan garnered Third Team All-Midwest Region accolades, Second Team All-Big 12 recognition and earned honors on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Ryan finished her career as the program's all-time leader in assists (23), ranked fifth all-time in goals (23) and third in points (69).

Betfort concluded her career at Wake Forest during the 2020-21 season. She played in 65 career matches (59 starts) for the Demon Deacons, recording six goals and eight assists. During the 2020 fall season, the senior captain started and played in all nine games, earning Third Team All-ACC honors. In 2019, Betfort recorded a team-best five assists, making 16 starts in 17 matches, while earning All-ACC Academic honors. As a sophomore, Betfort helped Wake Forest to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the 2018 NCAA tournament.

Yazmeen Ryan

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-6

Hometown: Norman, Okla.

College: Texas Christian University

Hannah Betfort

Position: Defender

Height: 5-11

Hometown: Charleston, S.C.

College: Wake Forest University

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