Portland Thorns have confirmed that Nigerian defender Nicole Payne will miss the entire 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. Payne suffered a cruciate ligament injury during a pre-season match against Angel City FC on February 16.

The 24-year-old, who joined Portland Thorns on loan from French club Paris Saint-Germain last year, played 10 league matches for the team last season.

She is not the only Portland Thorns player sidelined. Morgan Weaver and Marrie Muller will also miss the season due to injuries.

Muller picked up a similar cruciate ligament injury while playing for Germany on February 19, while Weaver injured her right knee in January 2025. This is the same knee she had surgery on in May 2024.

Portland Thorns will now have to adjust their squad as they prepare for the new season without these key players.