The Thorns announced ahead of their game in Utah on Saturday that Kelli Hubly has been signed to a full contract. Hubly’s national team player replacement contract expired when Hayley Raso returned to Thorns camp last weekend.
Emily Menges, the Thorns usual left centerback, has been out since preseason with right tibia issues but Hubly has proven to be a more than capable deputy in her absence, matching up well against some of the top forwards in the league and ranking in the top five in the league in interceptions, tackles and duels won. She (along with makeshift left back Mallory Weber) shut down Mallory Pugh at home against the Washington Spirit and she has played her part in denying opposing teams shots on target, even as the unit is still looking for its first clean sheet of the year.