Every sports organization has had their adversity amidst the recent global pandemic. But it’s not often that a franchise – a marquee one, at that – finds themselves undergoing a cultural revolution in the return of sports in their home country. The Portland Thorns found themselves in precisely that precarious position. Last year saw the […]

Every sports organization has had their adversity amidst the recent global pandemic. But it’s not often that a franchise – a marquee one, at that – finds themselves undergoing a cultural revolution in the return of sports in their home country.The Portland Thorns found themselves in precisely that precarious position. Last year saw the likes of Caitlin Foord, Midge Purce, and Tobin Heath depart. Portland bet the house on the first two picks of the 2020 College Draft and welcomed the experienced Becky Sauerbrunn and Rocky Rodriguez. At minimum, it was a complete makeover. But in the locker room, there was something deeper. The message was loud and clear from Utah and has rung true since: this is a new Portland Thorns FC. “Our identity and culture are what we value,” said Meghan Klingenberg. “We know that character is going to triumph over talent, and when we create a culture of trust and accountability, we’re able to give feedback in a way that everybody knows is constructive, and we’re trying to build and get better. When you create a culture of learning there’s no limits to how good you can become, and that’s what we’re creating here in Portland.” As the Thorns started anew, so did Klingenberg. The 2015 World Cup champion says that last summer was a paradigm shift for her. She poured her energy into not only becoming a student of the beautiful game, but of life itself – immersing herself in books, meditation, and constant journaling. The two renewals marched forward as one. “They became two parallel journeys, and that’s one of the really cool things about SynchroDestiny,” reflected Klingenberg. “When you’re putting out a certain positive energy, learning energy – then you attract like energy. And guess what? The Thorns are doing that, too. That’s the type of people that we’re attracting here, that want to be here. For me, it was just kind of like a nod of knowing ‘yeah, you’re on the right path, you’re doing it’. Not only for me, but for the club as well.” Seeing her shift mirrored in her club was a confirmation that she was on the right path. Methodically and as one, the Thorns and Klingenberg went through their metamorphosis. The end of 2020 saw silverware by topping the Fall Series, and the new year bought new acquisitions and a new level of success. Klingenberg found herself at the forefront, continuing to learn – even in unexpected ways. “They need me to be me, but they also need me to engage with players,” said Klingenberg. “My purpose for playing soccer isn’t to win trophies, my purpose for soccer is to connect with people in a deep way and to bring joy to people. What I found is being that person has actually allowed us to build trust, which allows us to get better together as a club. It’s a very cool, unintended cycle of learning. In the end, I don’t know if I was asked to do that, but I think I just got clear on what my purpose is and got clear on how I can be me and when I bring me to practice that seems to help everyone else.” That culture shift has led to remarkable results. Three out of four victories in the Challenge Cup, home field advantage, and the top goal differential in the tournament. Ask the ten-year veteran about the secret to the success, though, and it’s rooted in the present moment. “It’s all about having every single player show up and forgetting yesterday,” said Klingenberg. “The future isn’t even real, and we need to be completely be in the here and now. When we do that, then we don’t allow all of these anxieties about what’s going to happen in the future. People can get caught up in “oh, we’re in the final”, but when we let go of that and we’re fully present, that’s the best gift that we can give each other. Then, we are so focused on the task at hand, that we’re able to fully invest in the betterment of ourselves, our culture, and our club. We’ve had that investment, and that benefits every single person at Portland Thorns FC.” Klingenberg herself has had to wear a few different hats tactically this season. With the loss of multiple international midfielders to friendlies all over the world, the defender has been shifted to midfielder – and looked like she’s played there for years alongside Rocky Rodriguez. It’s a shift she’s begged from Mark Parsons, and one she’s enjoyed as she joins a core that, she says, are incredibly underrated. “It’s been a blast,” beamed Klingenberg. “I’ve been asking to play in the center for years. I love it because the center of our formation is the heartbeat of our team. It makes things tick, and it’s really fun to be a part of that heart. Outside back is home, but it’s amazing to take on a different role and responsibility for the team and feel like I’m doing something important in a different way. When you get to play tiki taka with the Costa Rican Legend, it’s always a blast.” With their success has come a familiar sight to the Thorns – fans at the famous North End at Providence Park. Home of one of the more symbiotic relationships between club and supporters in the country, Klingenberg was quick to point out how home is not just a place, it’s a feeling – and that is driven by the club’s fans. “I mean, let’s talk about soccer without supporters,” said Klingenberg. “It’s a game we love, but what is soccer in Portland without our family, our community there? It’s really hard. We’ve really missed them, we love them, and it goes both ways. When you can’t see your family for a while, it’s tough. But it’s been an amazing reunion, and we’ve enjoyed absolutely every single second of it. I know that they have been bringing it for us, and they’re always like an extra person on the field that push you to do keep going. It’s a blessing, and we’re really grateful that we’re able to have that.” Nowhere is Klingenberg’s acknowledgment of this symbiotic relationship more prevalent than her now-famous pregame huddle speeches, which mix a Shakespearean grandeur with philosophical overtures – turbocharged with passion and grit. Klingenberg says she was first given the responsibility three plus years ago and have only gotten famous since club staff have recorded and posted them online. [Empty Body] “I’m just grateful that the team gets something out of them,” Klingenberg said with a laugh. “I’ll continue doing it as long as they feel like it’s getting them in the right headspace to do battle. All I ever want to do is remind them of our purpose; of how great they are and that we’re in this together. People react and engage with stories. People don’t react well when you just tell them what to do. Every time we get in the huddle, I try to tell the story of who we’re going to be and how we’ll get there.” One of Klingenberg’s epic tomes will be given on Providence Park on Saturday, as the Thorns look for their fourth trophy in franchise history. She’ll draw on literature, fans across the world will repost it on social media, and then a team will walk home with a trophy sometime thereafter. These are all probable events. But ask Klingenberg about the final, and the philosophy of quasi-Stoic focus and belief that has rejuvenated not only the World Cup winner, but one of American soccer’s most storied franchises, is once again revealed. “Sports are funny, because I think we’re always trying to look ahead or always looking to the future,” said Klingenberg with a laugh. “But my focus is on today. Tomorrow my focus will be on tomorrow. For me, there’s no looking past what’s directly in front of us. I think it’s cool that we’re in the final, but I’m not even thinking about that yet.”