PORTLAND, Ore. – As part of the National Team player allocation process for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Portland Thorns FC have received Canada Women’s National Team midfielder Kaylyn Kyle and defender Rhian Wilkinson, it was announced today.
Canada Women’s National Team forward Christine Sinclair and United States National Team forward Alex Morgan, midfielder Tobin Heath and defender Rachel Van Hollebeke all return to Thorns FC for a third season as allocated players.
Kyle, 26, has 89 international caps with the Canada Women’s National Team. A native of Saskatoon, Sask., Kyle won a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Canada. Kyle was named to Canada’s most recent roster to compete at the BaoAn Cup in China. On Tuesday against Mexico, Kyle started and played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 win.
The Canadian midfielder appeared in two matches with the Boston Breakers in 2014 before she was acquired via trade by the Houston Dash. Kyle appeared in 19 matches (18 starts), tallying two assists for the Dash during the 2014 regular season. In 2013, Kyle played in 21 matches (19 starts) for Seattle Reign FC, recording three goals. Kyle played six seasons (2007-2012) with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL W-League and played for Swedish club Pitean IF in 2009, appearing in 14 matches (12 starts) with the Damallsvenskan side.
Wilkinson, 32, has earned 152 international caps since making her senior debut with the Canada Women’s National Team in 2003 at age 20. A native of Baie D’Urfe, Quebec, Wilkinson helped guide Canada to a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and has competed in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011). Wilkinson was selected to the Canada Women’s National roster for the BaoAn Cup in China. In the first match of the tournament against Korea DPR on Jan. 11, Wilkinson helped guide Canada to a 2-1 win, starting and playing the full 90 minutes.
As a professional, Wilkinson began her career in Norway with Team Strømmen (now called LSK Kvinner FK), playing with the club from 2005-12. She returned to the United States in 2013 and joined the Boston Breakers of the NWSL, appearing in 14 matches (11 starts) during the season, recording two goals and one assist. In 2014, Wilkinson signed with the Laval Comets of the USL W-League, making four appearances for the Quebec-based club.
Wilkinson spent three seasons (2003-05) with the Ottawa Fury of the W-League following her collegiate career at the University of Tennessee (2000-03). In 2005, she won the W-League scoring title (13) and finished the season tied for the league lead in assists (12).
Kaylyn Kyle
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-7
Born: Oct. 6, 1988 in Saskatoon, Sask.
Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.
Last Club: Houston Dash (NWSL)
College: University of Saskatchewan
Citizenship: Canada
Acquired: National Team Allocation
Rhian Wilkinson
Pronunciation: REE-in
Position: Defender
Height: 5-5
Born: May 12, 1982 in Pointe-Claire, Quebec
Hometown: Baie D’Urfe, Quebec
Last Club: Laval Comets (W-League)
College: University of Tennessee
Citizenship: Canada
Acquired: National Team Allocation
