PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC midfielder Vero Boquete has signed with 1. FFC Frankfurt of the German Frauen-Bundesliga, it was announced today.
The 2014 Supporters’ Player of the Year, Boquete featured in 15 regular-season matches for Portland and in Thorns FC’s 2014 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match against FC Kansas City on Saturday. Boquete scored four goals and finished the regular season ranked tied for third in the league with six assists, while earning NWSL Player of the Week honors three times in 2014.
“It was a great three months here in Portland and I think it was one of the best decisions in my career. I really enjoyed my teammates, the staff and especially playing in Portland. It’s amazing, the fans are the best in the world,” said Boquete. “Now I have to continue my career, and the next step is to go back to Europe. It’s a new challenge and probably the biggest challenge in my career. After this experience, I’m going to try to do my best in Germany and I hope that I can come back next year, too.”
Boquete, 27, was acquired by Portland on April 7, joining the club after her season with Swedish side Tyresö FF, and made her Thorns FC debut on June 7 against the Western New York Flash.
“Vero’s a top-class player. Not only is she a great person and a great player, but her production is unbelievable,” said Thorns FC head coach Paul Riley. “Her work rate both in practice and games is phenomenal. She knows how to prepare and she is a true professional in every aspect of her life.
“She loves Portland and she loves the team. Playing in Europe is important in her preparation for the World Cup. Being close to Spain makes traveling, competing and maintaining a good balance considerably easier. We want her back in Portland and we look forward to her return.”
The captain of the Spain Women’s National Team, Boquete has registered more than 30 international caps since her senior national team debut in 2005. Boquete and Spain currently sit atop Group 2 (22 pts) in qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and will resume qualification on Sept. 13 against Romania. In six appearances in qualifying for Spain, Boquete has two goals and two assists.
One of 11 players named to the initial shortlist for the 2013-14 UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe award, Boquete helped guide Tyresö FF to the 2014 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, recording a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss against VfL Wolfsburg. In nine Champions League matches, all starts, Boquete recorded two goals and three assists. In two seasons (2012 & 2013) with the Scandinavian club, Boquete registered 13 goals in 39 matches and was named Damallsvenskan Midfielder of the Year in 2012.
The Santiago de Compostela, Spain, native played for Riley and Women’s Professional Soccer’s (WPS) Philadelphia Independence in 2011. Boquete was named Player of the Year and helped guide Philadelphia to the league’s championship game. Boquete registered five goals and four assists in 13 matches for the Independence during the season.
