NEW YORK, NY (JUNE 18, 2024) – The National Women’s Soccer League today announced that following their match on June 8, Portland Thorns FC appealed a red card issued to forward Sophia Smith following a second yellow card for delaying the restart of play. Pursuant to NWSL Policy, the appeal was heard by the Independent Review Panel.

The Independent Review Panel unanimously (i) denied the appeal, and (ii) determined the appeal was frivolous. As a result, per Section 13.3 of the NWSL Operations Manual, the following disciplinary actions apply: 

• Portland will forfeit its bond; 

• Portland loses the right to appeal any other decisions for the remainder of the current season and the following season (including playoffs for both seasons); 

• The suspension and fine related to this appeal are doubled, therefore, Smith is issued a two-game suspension and an increased fine. 

Per the NWSLPA’s rights in the collective bargaining agreement to appeal discipline for on-field conduct, the NWSLPA appealed the doubling of the player discipline to the NWSL Review Committee.  The NWSL Review Committee unanimously upheld the NWSLPA appeal resulting in the league rescinding the additional one game suspension and associated incremental fine for Smith. 

The original one game suspension and fine for a second yellow card to Smith was served during Portland’s June 16 match against Seattle Reign FC. Portland’s loss of its $10,000 bond and right to appeal for the 2024 and 2025 seasons will stand.