Reilyn Turner doesn’t have a set role for the Thorns. She’s played up front in the middle, the right and the left.
She’s fine with that.
While naturally more of an central forward, Turner has often been shuffled in different roles out of necessity. Last season Morgan Weaver’s knee injury and Sophia Smith’s maternity leave had the Thorns tweaking lineups.
“Last year was a year of adversity for the team overall. I gained a lot of experience, which I didn’t have prior, experience at different positions— left, right, or center. So that’s helped me coming into this year, just knowing I don’t know where I’m going to play,” she said. “It’s about being prepared for whatever and making sure I’m comfortable in all three positions, so when I’m called on, I’m ready.”
On Saturday, Jayden Perry served a long ball forward and, despite being sandwiched between Current defender Gabrielle Robinson and goalkeeper Lorena, Turner leaped to get her head on the ball and scored.
Perry and Turner were teammates back at UCLA.
“Yeah, I mean, Jayden has a great left foot,” Turner said. “I played with her for many years back in college, so I knew she could play a really good long ball. I honestly didn’t think she would play it, but I’m glad she did. And just knowing where I was on the field, I thought maybe I could get something off.”
Olivia Moultrie converted a penalty kick earlier in the match and the Thorns finished with a 2-0 victory against the struggling Current. At 20, Moultrie became the youngest player to score 20 league goals, besting Sam Kerr.
Turner, a California native, played four years at UCLA. She was the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2021 and signed one of Nike’s first NIL deals.
Turner was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 Draft by Racing Louisville. After 16 appearances with Racing, she was traded to Portland.
Last season she scored seven goals for Portland, second on the team to Moultrie with nine. This season she already has two goals.
New Thorns coach Robert Vilahamn said Turner is best suited to play at No. 9.
“She’s very flexible — I’ve seen her play as a nine, left, and right. Probably best as a nine, but we have strong competition there. She’s improving her decision-making and chemistry. She scored today and works hard in and out of possession, so she has a bright future.”
Last October Turner signed an extension that will keep her with the Thorns through the 2028 season with a club option for 2029.
And she hasn’t just grabbed attention in the NWSL. She’s had Emma Hayes’ eye, too.
Turner, 23, made her USWNT debut earlier this year, scoring against Paraguay in the national team’s first game of the year.
LINKS
Phuoc Nguyen’s roundup of Saturday’s games for The AP
The Denver Summit shatters the NWSL attendance record
Cat Macario (finally) signs with the San Diego Wave
The Athletic looks at the red cards in the NWSL so far this season
England’s Missy Bo Kearns reveals she’s miscarried
The Haslams are pushing for funds from the Columbus and the county for NWSL bid
Man who posted racist abuse of Jess Carter avoids jail
Arizona wants an NWSL expansion team, too
Reign GK Neeku Purcell talks about the journey from the team’s academy
Netherlands striker Katja Snoeijs talks about her endometriosis diagnosis
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