National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Portland Thorns FC has officially signed Nicole Payne on a season-long loan deal.
Payne previously played for Paris Saint-Germain in France but joined the Portland Thorns due to limited playing opportunities at PSG.
Payne, who is 23 years old, made the move to PSG last summer.
“We are pleased to be able to add Nicole to our roster for this season, she is a young and dynamic defender, who has the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc told the club’s official website.
“In speaking with Nicole, it was discovered that the Thorns are a club she has a deep admiration for. Her desire to represent this city and this crest is what we want from any new signing. When presented with this opportunity, she welcomed it with open arms. We are so thrilled to have her with us.”
Head coach Mike Norris added: “Nicole is an exciting addition to our roster, she is a defender first and foremost, but also has an incredible drive and desire to get forward and impact the game higher up the field. This coupled with her physical capabilities to do so, make her a very exciting asset for us,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “We look forward to welcoming Nicole to the Thorns family.”
