Fans of the reigning NWSL Champion Portland Thorns will get their chance to get up close and personal with head coach Paul Riley and midfielder Angie Kerr on Thursday. The Thorns duo will be at the Bitter End Pub to do a free Q & A session with fans tonight at 6 p.m. PT as they get set to open the season against the Houston Dash on Apr. 12.
Riley is in his first season with the Thorns after being hired to the championship squad on Dec. 10. The Liverpool native came to Portland from the WPSL Elite’s New York Fury, and has been a part of American soccer as a player or a coach since 1982. Riley was the 2010 WPS Coach of the Year and is known for his attacking, offensive play style.
Kerr, a past member of the USWNT, is set to be a valuable piece of the midfield for the Thorns this season. The former University of Portland Pilot was part of their 2005 NCAA National Championship team alongside current Thorns forward Christine Sinclair. Kerr was also a member of the Thorns’ inaugural NWSL Championship team in 2013.
Both Riley and Kerr will answer questions from fans at the Bitter End, a Timbers and Thorns-supporting pub located at 1981 W. Burnside St. in Portland. Fans are encouraged to come down, meet the coach and player, and ask questions they may want answered in a rare opportunity to interact directly with the Thorns.
The event starts at 6 p.m. and will run about an hour. Seating will be limited, so fans should arrive a bit early and find a seat. The Bitter End allows all ages until 9 p.m., so young Thorns supporters are welcome to come and interact with their on-field heroes. The event is free to enter, and you can check-in beforehand and RSVP for the event on Facebook.
