Switzerland's Ana Maria Crnogorčević signed on Thursday for the Portland Thorns FC franchise. The 27-year-old forward had spent the last nine seasons in Germany (two years in Hamburg and seven years in Frankfurt). With Frankfurt, Crnogorčević won the German Cup in 2014 and especially the Champions League in 2015, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final (2-1).

She is now a senior player of the Swiss national team. In 101 selections, Crnogorčević scored 50 goals for Nati. It was she who opened the scoring against France in the last group match of Euro 2017 (1-1). Portland, reigning champion NWSL, strengthens its line of attack, which already counts Hayley Raso, Christine Sinclair or Caitlin Foord, even if Crnogorčević is a versatile player, able to evolve in the midfield, or even in defense as during the last Euro with Switzerland or sometimes this season with Frankfurt. A welcome addition to the Thorns who started defending their title this weekend, with a defeat on Saturday in their first game of the season on the North Carolina Courage (1-0).

Arnaud Le Quéré