Defender Kelli Hubly has signed with Portland Thorns FC, the club announced Friday. Hubly originally signed as a national team replacement player when forward Hayley Raso was away with Australia on international duty. Hubly has played 90 minutes in all four Thorns game so far this season, stepping in on a backline that has been missing Emily […]

Defender Kelli Hubly ****has signed with Portland Thorns FC, the club announced Friday.Hubly originally signed as a national team replacement player when forward Hayley Raso was away with Australia on international duty. Hubly has played 90 minutes in all four Thorns game so far this season, stepping in on a backline that has been missing Emily Menges (right tibia stress syndrome) this season. Hubly leads the league in blocks with five and is fifth in the league in interceptions (14) and tackles (16). “Kelli has been an important piece to our positive start,” Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons said in a team news release. “She has put in the work and has continued to grow and improve during her time here. She has earned this opportunity and we are excited to be able to reward her.” Hubly made two substitute appearances for the Thorns last season.