Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-24**Lead**
On the night of October 24, 2026, the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support throughout the season. The post, which featured a photo of fans holding scarves and banners, read in part: “Thank you, Rose City. You make every match special.” Hours later, reports emerged of a coordinated attack by a group identified as XX-XY in multiple U.S. cities, including Portland, with targets ranging from public transportation hubs to a community center. The violence left at least two people injured and disrupted events across the region. While the Thorns’ post remained live, the comment section quickly turned into a battleground. Users inundated the thread with criticism, accusing the team of ignorance and poor timing. “Really? You’re thanking fans while people are being attacked? Unreal,” one commenter wrote. Another questioned the team’s priorities: “Maybe address the attack first before the thank-you notes.” The backlash spread to other platforms, with fans on Reddit and Instagram calling the post “tone-deaf” and “out of touch.” The Thorns have not deleted the post nor issued an official response at the time of writing.
**Contexto**
The Portland Thorns are one of the most successful clubs in NWSL history, with multiple championships and a passionate fan base known as the “Rose City Riveters.” The team has often highlighted its connection to the community, participating in social justice initiatives and supporting local causes. However, the organization has faced previous controversies related to messaging and player conduct. In 2022, the Thorns were at the center of investigations into abuse within women’s soccer, which led to public apologies and reforms. The current incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the United States, where incidents of group violence have increased in frequency. The group known as XX-XY is relatively new to law enforcement databases, but has been linked to at least three coordinated attacks in the past six months, according to unconfirmed reports. The attack on October 24 targeted a transit hub in central Portland and a nearby community center, forcing a temporary lockdown. Local authorities advised residents to shelter in place. The timing of the Thorns’ post—published approximately three hours before the first reports of the attack—drew immediate scrutiny. Some fans argued that the team should have been aware of the situation before scheduling the post, while others acknowledged that the post was likely automated or prewritten. The lack of a follow-up statement exacerbated frustration.
**Análise**
The incident underscores the risks that sports organizations face in an era of instant social media reaction. For the Portland Thorns, a team that has prided itself on progressive values and community engagement, the misstep highlights a potential blind spot: the need for real-time monitoring of breaking news before publishing scheduled content. In a field where supporter loyalty is followed closely by public criticism, a single posts can quickly erode goodwill. The backlash also reflects broader societal expectations. Fans increasingly demand that their favorite teams acknowledge and respond to major events, especially those involving violence or injustice. The Thorns’ silence after the attacks may be perceived as indifference, a dangerous position for a brand built on activism. Moreover, the attack by XX-XY, while still under investigation, adds a layer of urgency. If the group is confirmed to have targeted marginalized communities, the Thorns’ omission could be seen as a failure to stand with those most affected. The team now fatres the task of rebuilding trust through a sincere apology or, more effectively, through concrete action, such as donating to victim relief funds or hosting a community forum.
**Fonte***
The informtion in this article is based on publicly available social media posts and comments from the Portland Thorns official X account, as well as initial official reports from local law enforcement in Portland regarding the October 24 attack. No direct interiews were conducted. The fact of the attack and the group identifier ‘XX-XY’ are reported as per initial unconfirmed police scanner traffic and local news broadcasts. The Thorns have not issued an official statement as of press time.