With Adrianna Franch called into national team camp ahead of the World Cup, the Thorns will turn to Britt Eckerstrom to step up in goal. Filling the shoes (or cleats, or gloves) of the reigning two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year is a tall ask for almost anyone in the world. Luckily, Eckerstrom is accustomed to the task, having filled in last year when Franch was dealing with injury or out for international duty.
Playing time for second-string keepers is not easy to come by in the NWSL, as Eckerstrom saw in her first season with the Thorns.