3 minute read

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold will join US club Portland Thorns after the Paris Olympics on a deal that could run until the end of 2027.

Mackenzie Arnold, the Matildas goalkeeper, has signed for American club Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League.

The 30-year-old, who has been at English club West Ham for the past four years, will join the team after the Olympics - where she is expected to be the Matildas' starting keeper - and upon completion of visa and other administrative matters.

The move is until the end of 2026, with a mutual option for 2027.

Arnold has been in the NWSL once before, with the Chicago Stars in 2019, but did not play a game. 

"Since the beginning, this club has prioritised competition across all our positions, aiming to create teams that can compete each and every year at the highest level and win championships," general manager and president of soccer operations Karina LeBlanc said.

"Mackenzie is someone we identified earlier this year as a player that could help elevate our goalkeeper group.

"She is a highly decorated international goalkeeper, with experience on the world's biggest stages. We believe her addition will make our goalkeeper unit stronger, our team better and help us achieve our championship winning goals."

The Thorns are one of the most successful clubs in the NWSL, having won the title three times, most recently in 2022. 

They do, however, have five goalkeepers on staff already, with American Shelby Hogan currently in possession of the No.1 jersey.