Portland Thorns FC, a dominant force in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has reinforced their defensive lineup with the acquisition of Nicole Payne.
The 23-year-old defender joins the Thorns on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of the Division 1 Féminine in France.
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Karina LeBlanc, General Manager and President of Soccer Operations for Portland Thorns FC, expressed excitement about the addition of Payne to the roster.
LeBlanc praised Payne’s dynamic playing style and her eagerness to represent the Thorns, emphasizing her admiration for the club and its values.
“We are pleased to be able to add Nicole to our roster for this season, she is a young and dynamic defender, who can impact the game on both sides of the ball.
“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 also welcomed Payne to the Thorns family, highlighting her versatility as a defender and her ability to contribute offensively.
Norris emphasized Payne’s drive and determination, noting her potential to make a significant impact on the field.
“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.”
Born in the United States, Payne made her mark on the international stage with the Nigeria Women’s National Team, earning her debut in 2021 against Jamaica.
She continued to impress, representing Nigeria in the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations and making a total of seven appearances for the team.
Before her professional career, Payne honed her skills at the collegiate level, playing for both the University of Southern California and West Virginia University.
Her impressive performances on the field earned her recognition as a standout player, with notable contributions to her teams’ successes.
With her arrival, Portland Thorns FC aims to strengthen their defensive lineup and maintain their position as contenders in the NWSL.
Payne’s experience and determination make her a valuable addition to the team, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing her in action on the field.
