Portland Thorns 2022 Preview: Exclusive Sophia Smith Interview | Biggest roster signings, most detrimental losses and burning questions (Soccer 2/11)

Sandra Herrera and Lisa Roman prepare for the 2022 NWSL Season with a full Portland Thorns preview. They run through the roster starting with new head coach Rhain Wilkinson and new GM Karina LeBlanc (2:41). Sandra and Lisa label their Biggest Roster Signings for the Thorns in the offseason, the most Detrimental Losses for Portland, which area of the field needs the most work and who is listed on their pre-season roster (8:01). They predict starting lineup, name the Young Prospect of the squad and which veteran needs to step up as with their Essential Experience (19:46). The biggest burning question for Portland Thorns heading into 2022: Who will be the key to Portland's midfield (30:27)? Listen to hear the A3 projected finish for the Thornsbased on the pre-season roster, new signings and biggest losses. Then, they welcome USWNT and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith to the show (35:42). Smith discusses her offseason spent with family but recovering from a concussion suffered during her time with the USWNT. She opens up about working with a new head coach in Rhain Wilkinson and what Wilkinson will bring to the Thorns in 2022. She also discusses her personal experiences in three years in the league and what she's learned about herself and about the professional game. Then, Sophia talks about the USWNT SheBelieves Cup and the current roster skewing younger and different players. 'Attacking Third' is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Castbox and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @SandHerrera_, @LRoman32 Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices