# Morgan Messner

Morgan Lynn Messner (born February 17, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Boston University Terriers and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

## Early life

A native of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Messner attended The Episcopal Academy, where she was a four-year letterwinner and a team captain. She also competed in track and field for three years. Messner played youth soccer with Penn Fusion Soccer Academy, which she led to three ECNL National Playoff appearances. She was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-East Region honoree and named to the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Second Team in high school.

## College career
### Boston University Terriers

Messner started her college career with the Boston University Terriers. In her freshman year, Messner played in 13 games and secured 7 shutouts. She contributed to Boston's Patriot League tournament victory, helping the team reclaim the title from Bucknell. Messner also earned a clean sheet in the Terriers' NCAA tournament game against LSU, an eventual defeat on penalties. During her second season at Boston, Messner made 12 saves in a September fixture against Princeton, the highest in program history since 1997. In 2021, Messner was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Team. She ended her career with the Terriers having played in 27 matches overall.

### Penn State Nittany Lions

After earning her undergraduate degree in Earth and Environmental Science, Messner transferred to Penn State in order to pursue a master's degree. Facing competition from starter Kat Asman, Messner played in 7 games across her two years at Penn State. She did not concede a goal during her time as a Nittany Lion.

## Club career
### Racing Louisville (W League), 2022

While a member of Penn State, Messner had her first club experience with the semi-professional USL W League affiliate of Racing Louisville FC during 2022. She appeared in 2 games during her stint with the club, her pair of appearances taking place only three days apart. In Messner's second match with Racing Louisville, she was subbed off in the first half due to an injury.
Following the completion of her collegiate career, Messner was invited to train with the Chicago Red Stars during 2023 preseason. She joined the club's roster as a non-roster invitee, linking back up with former Penn State teammates Ally Schlegel and Penelope Hocking.

### San Diego Wave FC, 2024

Messner was a non-roster invitee on San Diego Wave FC's 2024 preseason roster, which was announced in January 2024. On March 13, 2024, she signed a one-year contract contract with the Wave. After backup goalkeeper Hillary Beall suffered a foot injury, Messner was able to make her professional debut on July 26, 2024, in an NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup defeat against Club América. Messner also started the Wave's next Summer Cup match, an away game against Angel City FC. After earning her first professional shutout in the 0–0 draw, Messner stood in goal for the ensuing penalty shootout. She conceded all five of Angel City's spot-kicks as the Wave lost the shootout 5–3. At the end of the season, Messner was out of contract with the Wave. The club later announced that Messner would not be returning to San Diego and would instead be exploring opportunities as a free agent.

### Portland Thorns FC, 2025–present

In January 2025, Messner joined Portland Thorns FC as a non-roster invitee. It marked the third year in a row that Messner started off NWSL preseason as a trialist. She signed a one-year contract with the Thorns on March 4, 2025.

## Career statistics
### Club

    As of December 8, 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | Cup | Cup | Playoffs | Playoffs | Continental | Continental | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Racing Louisville FC | 2022 | USL W League | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| San Diego Wave FC | 2024 | NWSL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
* ↑ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
* ↑ Includes NWSL Playoffs
* ↑ Includes CONCACAF W Champions Cup
* ↑ Includes NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup

## Honors
### San Diego Wave

* NWSL Challenge Cup: 2024