ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Natalie Thompson, Thorns North 07G Academy

Natalie Thompson

Thorns North 07G Academy

Thompson, a center forward, scored five of the team’s eight goals in the Development Premier League national finals in Cincinnati June 27 through July 2, helping the team to a runner-up finish. “Her job is to put herself in positions to score,” Thorns 07 coach and Timbers-Thorns technical director Mike Thompson said. “Her work rate and competitiveness makes her a tough matchup for opponents.”