PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Thorns FC announced Tuesday that midfielder Hina Sugita , a favorite among the fan base, has been traded to Angel City FC in exchange for veteran defender M.A. Vignola and $600,000 in intraleague transfer funds.

Sugita joined the club in 2022 and played an instrumental role in the Thorns’ run to the 2022 NWSL Championship, installing herself as fan favorite along the way. Her tireless presence in the midfield and creative footwork quickly made her a cornerstone for the team and an inspiration that grew in the heart of Thorns supporters.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision to make," said Thorns General Manager Jeff Agoos. "Hina is a special person, and we don’t take these decisions lightly.

"However, the opportunity to continue to pursue our long-te

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