A brand new pre-professional women’s soccer team is coming to Portland this May! Taking inspiration from Portland’s city spirit and love for the game, the Portland Cherry Bombs Football Club (FC) will compete in the Northwest Division of the United Soccer League Women’s League (USL W), serving as a transitional step for female collegiate athletes across the country. This explosive season kicks off on May 17, with the opening game against local team, Drip FC, at Lents Park, the Cherry Bombs’ home field. Following this, themed home games such as “Pups on the Pitch” against the West Seattle Rhodies FC and “Artist Extravaganza” against Bigfoot FC will be held through the end of June.
The Portland Cherry Bombs FC was founded under COLLiDE, a sporting agency that owns many other pre-professional teams in the Portland area. Notably, this includes the community-beloved Portland Pickles baseball team and the Portland Bangers FC, which debuted last year in the United Soccer League Two. In their debut season, the Cherry Bombs hope to continue the interactive viewing experience that the Pickles and Bangers games provide for fans, while still bringing a distinct identity that pays homage to Portland’s historic riot grrrl music scene.
The riot grrrl movement began in the Pacific Northwest during the 1990s, emphasizing female music artists, media created by women, and feminism. “That kind of era of, you know, feminine punk rock music is definitely an inspiration for the vibe of the team and the personality,” says Courtney Schmidt, general manager for the Portland Pickles, Portland Bangers, and Portland Cherry Bombs. “We definitely want it to be unapologetic, loud, and female-forward.”
The Cherry Bombs’ theme of female empowerment frequently appears in their branding — whether that be in the merch inspired by cutouts from “zines,” the mascot and logo Mary T. Cherry, or their partnerships. “We’re honored to be able to work with Planned Parenthood [Columbia Willamette],” says Schmidt, noting that 10% of all revenue from their jersey sales will be given to the organization. The team also plans to collaborate with small businesses across the city, ranging from youth programs — such as Soccer Shots and the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette — to staple Portland restaurants and retail stores.
Janine Szpara, former goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, will serve as head coach for the Cherry Bombs. “I just loved what the company represented, how they came across, and what their ideas were and what they wanted to do, which is provide a pathway for female players,” she says. Having played for the U.S. women’s national soccer team shortly after its creation, Szpara recognizes the importance of the Cherry Bombs’ inaugural season in furthering the reach of women’s sports. In addition to her extensive playing background, Szpara has also coached collegiate and club teams, including the Portland State University Vikings and Portland Thorns Academy.
“I really enjoy trying to share and give back to young people, young women, the experience I had,” Szpara reflects. “I had a great opportunity growing up. I went to not only a Division I school, but a very good, small liberal arts school in Colorado, that I would not have been able to go to if I hadn’t played [soccer] and got a scholarship.”
Schmidt — who is also a former Division III women’s soccer player — shares a similar sentiment. “A lot of [the players] use USL W teams to create a stepping stone into the professional world. So, you know, you might be watching a Cherry Bomb this summer that is playing in the [National Women’s Soccer League] next summer.” She emphasizes that it’s “really cool to be able to support women from the very start.”
In terms of the team’s configuration, Szpara explains that — in addition to open registration for tryouts — she has been in contact with collegiate soccer coaches both in and out of state. “They have either recommended players or I’ve reached out to them and said, you know, ‘Do you have players that you think will be good at this level?’” She details the process of bringing together women who have never played with each other with such a sharp turnaround. “[For the] formation of a team, the most important thing is organization and familiarity. You’ve got to get all those players with different backgrounds, all those individuals, to kind of coalesce.” Schmidt adds that the Cherry Bombs will likely have a large, fluid roster, as players’ school seasons and reporting dates may conflict with the USL W season’s May through June commitment.
Siena Sciacca, a junior who plays on Franklin’s varsity women’s soccer team, expresses her interest in the upcoming opportunities to attend Cherry Bombs games. Having played soccer since she was young, Sciacca shares, “I go to the Thorns games, like, probably once a month, or just whenever we can get tickets. …I think it’s great, especially if you play soccer, because you can watch your position and learn from that.”
Everybody, regardless of age or soccer experience, is encouraged to support the Portland Cherry Bombs in their upcoming season. “We want to be accessible to the community, because that’s the basis of what we’re doing and who we’re doing it for,” says Schmidt. Home games will feature live music, an array of food options, and plenty of interactive opportunities for supporters. “There will be halftime competitions with fans, and different ways to engage with the brands,” says Schmidt. Local artists and musicians will be highlighted throughout games, an aspect which Schmidt explains will contribute to the team’s goal to “really mix sports with culture.”
With these qualities in mind, the Portland Cherry Bombs FC aims to uplift female athletes in their soccer careers while fostering an appreciation for the sport and the city. “Women’s sports [are] on the rise now, and we’re happy to be a part of all of that,” says Schmidt. Grab a friend, get tickets, and have a blast supporting the Cherry Bombs.
