Why Morgan Messner should be a friendly-game keeper

Thorns fans like myself got some more bad news earlier this week when Bella Bixby was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list with the 2026 opener scheduled for March 13, leaving Mackenzie Arnold as the only keeper on the active roster with game experience- 26 appearances for Portland so far.

Arnold is more than likely the clear #1 heading into the season, but, with only Messner remaining on the active roster in the goalie room, there's going to be concerns about overuse if Arnold plays every NWSL minute this year, which is why, if I was on the coaching staff, I'd put Messner in place as the starter for any friendly games this year- she'd get actual in-game reps with the safety net of not having to worry about points or goal difference or anything like that. Plus, if she excels in the friendly games Portland has another option for later in the year if Arnold struggles.    

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