Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith was named the MVP of the NWSL 2022 season today. With her selection, Smith becomes the youngest player to earn the season MVP title. Smith is the second-ever Portland Timber to become a league MVP. The first was Lindsey Horan back in 2018.
This year, Sophia Smith had 14 goals in 18 appearances, 16 of which she was in the starting lineup for. Those 14 goals by Smith broke a Thorns club record and put her in second for most goals of any player this season. Smith also tallied four braces this season, which ties the record for the most braces in a single season by any NWSL competitor. Smith also had three assists this season, which was a personal best.
This is only Sophia Smith’s second full season in the NWSL and as a Portland Thorn. Smith was drafted as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft by Portland. Smith made her first appearance as a Thorn back in September 2020. She would score her first goal on September 20th against the Utah Royals FC, three minutes after substituting into the game. Since then, Smith has played in 53 games, scored 25 goals, and earned four assists. She has also been instrumental in helping the Thorns win the 2020 Community Shield, the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, the 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup, and the 2021 NWSL Shield.
Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns will be competing for the NWSL Championship against the Kansas City Current this Saturday, October 29th at 5 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 