The New Pro League Coming to Life: Portland Thorns FC

Portland's women's professional soccer team, the Thorns FC, officially came to life today introducing to the world their logo and name. The Thorns FC are one of eight teams in the new US-based yet-to-be-named women's professional league launching in the spring of 2013.

The logo, created by a member of the Timbers Army (the supporters group of the MLS Portland Timbers FC), was designed to look good alongside the Timbers logo but still have its own strong identity. The men's and women's teams are part of the same club, led by the ownership of the Paulson family.

Designer Brent Diskin took cues from the Timbers aesthetic, both old and modern. The rose is pulled from the Timbers "Rose City Red" kits. Diskin wanted the logo to convey constant motion, through the twisting wreath of thorns. The four point stars containing the letters "FC" hail to the City of Portland flag, so that the city is with the team wherever they are.

The PTFC abbreviation bridges the women's and men's squad (also PTFC), allowing for cross-promotion opportunities and fan chants to be used for the women's squad as well.

The new logo was unveiled online via social media, the Thorns FC website and a press release with Twitter follower count growing almost 100% during the hours post-launch. The team partnered with Girl, Inc. a member of it's "Stand Together" community connection program, to engage girls in the launch. Enjoy the video here.

A series of hints were released on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter the day prior. See image below of one of the hints the team used to build anticipation around the launch:

The launch of the logo is the latest evolution made by the new Portland team and Timbers organization toward a new era. The team is the first women's professional soccer team to call Portland home. The birth of the team on the Pacific NW soccer scene is expected to continue the rivalry with Seattle seen in the MLS. Both teams will be fighting for the top spot in the region.

Quick Facts
Twitter: @ThornsFC
Facebook: Portland Thorns FC
Website: www.portlandtimbers.com/women
Venue: Jeld-Wen Field
Coaching Staff: TBA
Key Players: TBA
Team Colors: Red, green, black


Source: Portland Thorns.

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If at First You Don't Succeed: US Soccer to Launch New Women's Pro League
Thoughts on the Launch of the US Women's Pro League