Taking influence from the team name, Nike have unveiled the new Portland Thorns home and away jerseys for the 2020/21 season. Two strikingly contrasting designs, the home takes on a black visage and is named the ‘Dark Rose’, while the away is on the light side and is called ‘Untamed Thorn’.
For the second year in a row, Nike has created a unique visual identity for the Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The home jersey, which is nicknamed the Dark Rose, is the first black jersey in the club’s eight-year history and prominently features stylised dark roses as homage to the City of Portland. The club’s crest, Nike swoosh and Providence Health & Services logo feature Challenge Red hues that pop off the black jersey.
The secondary jersey, which is nicknamed the Untamed Thorn, carries thorn graphics that pull the spirit of the home fans through as metaphorical body armour. Each kit also includes the marker "B.A.O.N." printed on the inner neck, referencing the supporters' favoured literary phrase, "By Any Other Name.”
“We are really excited about these new kits,” said Alex Kocher, creative director for Thorns FC. “With each jersey, it’s an opportunity to expand our club’s visual language and these designs are a bold and compelling evolution of our iconography. I think our athletes and supporters will love them.”
"The fans here in Portland are such an important part of this club," says Portland Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair. "The fans make being part of the Thorns family unique, so to have our jerseys reflect their support, especially on the away jerseys, they’ll always be with us with the subtle touches on this kit.”
Both the Portland Thorns 2020/21 home and away jerseys will go on sale 22 May on shopthornsfc.com
