Former Oregon soccer star Marissa Everett is working hard to stay ready whenever her chance comes for a breakthrough moment with Portland Thorns FC.
And though this year keeps throwing up impediments for Everett and the Thorns, her determination is a strong as ever.
First, the COVID-19 pandemic robbed the Thorns of a traditional season this year; a mid-summer Challenge Cup was scheduled to fill the void, in which the Thorns reached the semifinals of the knockout round. On top of that, wildfires have ravaged the state of Oregon's landscape and air quality this month, delaying the start of the National Women's Soccer League's Fall Series for the Portland club.