After last season’s disappointment in the NWSL, Portland Thorns will be kicking themselves. The club missed the Shield as well as the Championship by a very small margin. On the other hand, despite winning the Golden Boot with eleven goals in the league last season, Sophia Smith may also feel that she missed out on winning crucial titles. Nevertheless, as the star embraces another journey this year, Smith explains why it’s “a little bit harder” to get into the NWSL mode after the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup triumph.

Despite staying in touch with the sport, Smith feels that moving from the NT to the club environment is challenging. Speaking to ex-USMNT star, Sebastian Salazar on ESPN FC, she stated, “This time in particular, I would say it’s a little bit harder just because you know we missed basically all of preseason with the Gold Cup. And you kind of look around and we have some new faces, so it’s a matter of getting to know your teammates while also realizing you have to turn around and play game together,” citing a lack of preseason as a reason. Smith scored a brace against Kansas City in the opener but Thorns lost the game 5-4.

She had a successful time with the USWNT last month. Even though she had just a goal in the continental competition, Smith’s dynamic gameplay was a boost to the team. However, the player will have to jell with a different set of teammates this time at Portland.

The club let go of their star defender Crystal Dunn, along with other players such as Natalie Beckman and Rikke Sevecke. On the other hand, the club will welcome the Canadian captain, Jessie Fleming, along with defender Nicole Payne on a season-long loan. But can they put up similar performances as last year?

Sophia Smith won’t settle for anything less than the NWSL title this season

Winning the Golden Ball in 2023, Sophia Smith is setting high standards for herself. When asked about her goals this season, she said, “I think we have big goals as a team. This club is known for, you know, we win. That’s the expectation that’s the standard. I think the biggest thing for us though is to take it game by game.” Keeping the target in mind, she does not want to get too far ahead with the goals.

Last year, Rose City lost the semifinals to Gotham FC after conceding in the 107th minute. The club also missed out on the NWSL Shield by two points after losing 5-1 to Angel City on the last match day. Overall, that could be the learning this year, and Sophia Smith, along with her team, would like to cross the river successfully this time.

READ MORE – USWNT’s Impressive 33-Match Streak Snapped by Mexico’s Breakthrough Goal in CONCACAF W Gold Cup