The Portland Thorns on Tuesday announced the acquisition of fullback Katherine Reynolds from the Washington Spirit in exchange for defender Alyssa Kleiner.
Additionally, the Thorns have waived defender Clare Polkinghorne.
Reynolds, 28, brings experience to the Thorns. Last season, she started all 18 regular-season games for the Spirit.
“Katherine is a hard-working, talented fullback with great experience in the league,” said Thorns coach Mark Parsons, who last season coached the Spirit. “She is a disciplined defender who loves to also join in the attack and has the athletic ability to do both very well.”
Reynolds started her professional career in 2010 in Women’s Pro Soccer. She played for Western New York during the first two NWSL seasons before moving to Washington. She has also played professionally in Australia and Germany.
Kleiner, 22, played in eight games for the Thorns as a rookie last season. Polkinghorne joined the Thorns following the Women’s World Cup, where she was a member of Australia’s team.
The Thorns will host a preseason tournament from March 22 through April 2 in advance of the fourth NWSL season.
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