Matildas hero Mackenzie Arnold has surprised fans with her latest move, just nine days after departing West Ham.
The Australian goalkeeper has revealed she is going to play with American club Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The 30-year-old had been at West Ham for the past four years, but at the start of July revealed she was leaving.
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“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make and I wanted to have the opportunity to say goodbye properly, whilst also looking back on the incredible time I have had in the famous Claret & Blue,” Arnold said in an emotional message.
“It’s been nearly four years to the day since I arrived at Chadwell Heath and it didn’t take me long to realise how special this club was and how at home I felt in east London.
Arnold will join the Portland Thorns after the Olympics — where she is expected to be the Matildas’ starting keeper.
She will need to complete her visa application and other administrative matters before she heads to the US.
The move is until the end of 2026, with a mutual option for 2027.
Fans were shocked and excited by the news.
“SO UNEXPECTED BUT OMG????” said football blogger Mia.
“Holy s***. My favorite keeper coming to my favorite NWSL team. I am SCREAMING! Yay Macca!!!” another fan said.
“🤯 how did the Thorns pull that off?! That’s awesome!!! Welcome to the PNW!!” another said.
“Surprised us all Macca but you will shine wherever you go!” another said.
Arnold posted a picture of herself on Instagram in her new shirt, writing: ”Excited for the next chapter. Let’s go Rose City 🌹.”
And Matildas stars were quick to get around her.
“Love this! Proud of you Maccy,” said Steph Catley.
While Ellie Carpenter joked: “Feelin thorny 🌹😍.”
Caitlin Foord said, “🥹🥹 My thorn 🌹” and Clare Hunt said, “So proud, Macca” and sent kisses.
Arnold has been in the NWSL once before, with the Chicago Stars in 2019, but did not play a game.
“Since the beginning, this club has prioritised competition across all our positions, aiming to create teams that can compete each and every year at the highest level and win championships,” general manager and president of soccer operations Karina LeBlanc said.
“Mackenzie is someone we identified earlier this year as a player that could help elevate our goalkeeper group.
“She is a highly decorated international goalkeeper, with experience on the world’s biggest stages. We believe her addition will make our goalkeeper unit stronger, our team better and help us achieve our championship winning goals.”
The Thorns are one of the most successful clubs in the NWSL, having won the title three times, most recently in 2022.
They do, however, have five goalkeepers on staff already, with American Shelby Hogan currently in possession of the No.1 jersey.
– With AAP