Tobin Heath, one of the original Portland Thorns, selected by Racing Louisville in NWSL expansion draft

Thursday marked the end of an era for the Portland Thorns as one of the club’s original players, Tobin Heath, was selected by Racing Louisville in the NWSL expansion draft.

Heath, a 32-year-old midfielder, had been a star for the Thorns since their inaugural season in 2013. Although she opted out of this year’s NWSL Challenge Cup and then signed with Manchester United of the FA Women’s Super League in September, the Thorns had retained Heath’s NWSL rights.

“Tobin has been with our club since we started in 2013 and has given so much to the Portland Thorns, playing a massive role in winning two NWSL Championships and an NWSL Shield,” Thorns owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement. “Tobin gave 110 percent every time she put on a Thorns kit. I am forever a huge Tobin fan and wish her the very best. Thank you, Tobin.”

Racing Louisville is set to join the NWSL in 2021, and the expansion draft allowed the new club to fill out its roster. The league’s other teams could protect certain players from selection, but the Thorns left Heath, a star for the U.S. women’s national team, unprotected. The Thorns instead opted to protect two other USWNT players, the newly acquired Crystal Dunn and midfielder Lindsey Horan.

“Tobin is a world-class player who has been an instrumental part of this club over the past eight seasons,” Thorns general manager and president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson said in a statement. “Only being able to protect two U.S. players made this an extremely difficult decision. Tobin will leave a lasting legacy here in Portland on this club and community, and we wish her well.”

Heath helped lead the Thorns to championships in 2013 and 2017, earning MVP honors in the 2013 title game. She scored 12 goals and notched 24 assists in 70 regular-season matches with the Thorns and was named NWSL Best XI in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

“Tobin has been key to the identity and success of the Thorns,” coach Mark Parsons said in a statement. “I have had the privilege of seeing her perform from a front-row seat over the last five years, which has been a gift in itself. I am thankful for my time working with Tobin and know Portland will forever be grateful for the passion, commitment and extraordinary moments she gave us.”

With Heath’s departure, Christine Sinclair becomes the final member of the 2013 Thorns who remains with the team.

Louisville’s other selections in the expansion draft were:

Addisyn Merrick (North Carolina Courage)

Julia Ashley (OL Reign)

Jennifer Cudjoe (Sky Blue FC)

Cece Kizer (Houston Dash)

Katie Lund (Washington Spirit)

Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride)

Lauren Milliet (North Carolina Courage)

Kaleigh Riehl (Sky Blue FC)

Caitlin Foord (playing rights, Orlando Pride)

Katie McClure (Washington Spirit)

Erin Simon (Houston Dash)

Michelle Betos (OL Reign)

Christen Press (playing rights, Utah Royals FC)

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