Former West Ham United keeper Arnold joins Portland Thorns

Former West Ham United goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has joined American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Portland Thorns.

The Thorns announced the news via a post on their official club website this evening.

Arnold joins Portland Thorns upon the expiry of her contract at former club West Ham United. She has signed an initial two-year deal with the American club with the option of a further year.

The 30-year-old spent four years playing Barclays Women’s Super League football with West Ham United. She made 73 appearances in league competition for The Hammers. Arnold was given the captain’s armband during her time in East London. With Arnold out of contract with West Ham United this summer, the player opted for a return to the NWSL for the first time since 2019.

After acquiring Arnold’s services for Portland Thorns, General Manager and President of Soccer Operations, Karina LeBlanc said “Since the beginning, this Club has prioritized competition across all our positions, aiming to create teams that can compete each and every year at the highest level and win championships. 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.”

Arnold joins a Portland Thorns side who are seeking a fourth NWSL Championship.