A Milestone Celebration
When the Portland Thorns take the field against the Orlando Pride on August 15, the occasion will be about more than three points in the NWSL standings. It will be a tribute to one of the club’s most enduring figures.
Meghan Klingenberg, a mainstay on the Thorns’ back line for ten seasons, announced her retirement earlier this year after helping the team capture two NWSL Championships and two Shields. Her durability, tactical intelligence and leadership made her a cornerstone of the franchise from its inaugural season.
Klingenberg’s impact extended beyond club success. She was a key member of the United States Women’s National Team that lifted the 2015 World Cup, earning 74 caps and a place on the tournament’s All‑Star squad and FIFPro Women’s World XI.
Off the pitch, she played a decisive role in the USWNT Players Association’s negotiations to secure image and likeness rights, helping to shape a new era of compensation for female athletes.
Today, Klingenberg shares her insights and stories as the host of The U.S. Soccer Podcast, where she continues to influence the conversation around the sport’s growth and the voices of its players.