Former United States defender and Hall of Famer Jeff Agoos was named the brand new president of soccer operations and basic supervisor for the Portland Thorns on Tuesday.
Agoos replaces Karina LeBlanc, who moved on to an executive position with the Bhathal household’s RAJ Sports, which owns the NWSL membership and an growth WNBA staff set to begin play in 2026.
The University of Virginia graduate was a defender for the USMNT over 15 seasons, which included appearances within the 2000 Olympics and the 2002 World Cup.
He additionally had a prolonged profession in Major League Soccer, successful three league titles with D.C. United and two extra with the San Jose Earthquakes. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009.
Agoos served as technical director of the New York Red Bulls from 2007-11 earlier than working in a number of roles for MLS, most lately as senior vp of competitors, operations, and medical.
“I’m honored to be a part of such a prestigious membership. The Thorns have a famend legacy, and my focus is to supply the management essential to make sure our on-field success, maintaining the staff on the high of the league and competing for championships,” Agoos stated in an announcement launched by the Thorns.
LeBlanc, who was the beginning goalkeeper for Portland that inaugural season, joined the Thorns on the finish of 2021, shortly earlier than the staff employed Rhian Wilkinson — a former teammate of LeBlanc’s of their taking part in days with the Canada nationwide staff and a former Thorns participant — as head coach.
Portland received the NWSL Championship in 2022, however Wilkinson resigned shortly after. She was investigated and cleared of misconduct by the league for conduct with a participant, however Wilkinson resigned as a result of she felt she misplaced the locker room.
Portland additionally introduced that Lucy Rushton, former basic supervisor at Bay FC, and Angus McNab will function strategic advisors to the membership.
Information from The Associated Press was used on this story.
