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Meghan Klingenberg

Meghan Klingenberg is moving on from Portland Thorns after eight seasons

Photo courtesy Portland Thorns FC

After eight seasons, Pittsburgh-area native Meghan Klingenberg announced via social media on Monday that she will not be returning to the Portland Thorns, a club where she has spent eight seasons in her 10-year professional soccer career.

The former Pine-Richland native and USMNT, World Cup winner posted her farewell to the City and to the organization where she won two NWSL championships, after she spent her first two seasons in Houston.

In early December, when the Thorns announced roster updates which made clear that Klingenberg and Becky Sauerbrunn would be free agents. In addition, Canadian forward Christine Sinclair announced her retirement.  While Sauerbrunn also later announced her retirement, Klingenberg stated in her post “I’m excited for what’s next and wherever I end up, I’ll carry Portland with me.”

In her first seven seasons in Portland, the Thorns finished top three in the league every season, with two NWSL titles along the way.  Klingenberg started 135 of 149 appearances with the Thorns, logging 11,619 minutes, primarily at left back and in midfield.

Early in her pro career, she was an integral piece of the US Women’s National Team, culminating with the 2015 World Cup victory.  Following earning World Cup gold, Klingenberg had a chance to play in her hometown, at Acrisure Stadium (then Heinz Field), in the USWNT’s first post-World Cup friendly match against Costa Rica.

In that match, Klingenberg scored early in the second half, setting off a celebration that included waving the Terrible Towel as the Stars and Stripes rolled to a lopsided victory.

Klingenberg has special ‘Pittsburgh’ moment as USWNT overpower Costa Rica

In response to this news, there are some locals who are hoping that Klingenberg gets a chance to represent the City of Pittsburgh at some point.

Klingenberg is back in her hometown this week, hosting her Annual Soccer Camp at Southpointe Fieldhouse.

One-on-One with Meghan Klingenberg

 

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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