NWSL
Bucks County native Marissa Sheva signs with Portland Thorns
Bucks County native and Republic of Ireland international Marissa Sheva is continuing her professional career on the left coast, signing a one-year deal with the Portland Thorns.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer Marissa a contract, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our team. She came to this Club, knowing the history of this Club, fighting to make the roster. Her skill sets, mentality, grit and diligence to her craft has paid off, which makes this an incredible story,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said in a news release.
Sheva, 26, comes to the Rose City after two seasons with the Washington Spirit, where she appeared in 18 matches, scoring her first professional goal during the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup. Prior to the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, Sheva signed with Utah Royals FC, but did not make any appearances. Before making the jump to the NWSL, Sheva spent a season with Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas in Spain, playing in one match for the Liga F side.
A national champion at Penn State, Sheva played youth soccer locally at Penn Fusion and with the Eastern Pennsylvania ODP program. She represented the Republic of Ireland – along with Havertown native Sinead Farrelly – at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Marissa has proved in preseason that she has the technical capability and tactical versatility to be a valuable addition to the Thorns family,” Head Coach Mike Norris said in a news release. “She also brings league and international level experience. We are really excited to see Marissa continue to flourish in the Portland Thorns jersey.”