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Deadspin | Portland Thorns hire Robert Vilahamn as head coach


Deadspin | Portland Thorns hire Robert Vilahamn as head coachSep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Portland Thorns announced the hiring of head coach Robert Vilahamn on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old Sweden native most recently coached Tottenham Hotspur in England’s Women’s Super League from 2023-25, leading the team to the Women’s FA Cup final in his first season.

Vilahamn replaces Rob Gale, who was fired after last November’s loss in the semifinals of the NWSL playoffs.

“Robert arrives with managerial experience at the highest levels of the women’s game, possesses a strong track record of helping players grow and will strengthen our team environment by providing new global perspectives and insights,” Thorns general manager Jeff Agoos said. “His proactive, front-foot approach aligns with the identity and expectations of the Thorns and our supporters, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portland.”

Vilahamn coached the BK Hacken women’s team in Sweden from 2021-23, qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in both seasons and making consecutive Swedish Cup finals.

The Thorns have made the playoffs in all but one season since joining the NWSL as a founding club in 2013. Portland won league championships in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

“I’m very excited and thankful to be the new head coach of the Portland Thorns,” Vilahamn said. “The club has everything I look for, with a clear ambition to win, an incredible fan base and a strong environment for developing talented players. The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and coming to the U.S. to be part of it is a major step in my career. I’m really looking forward to starting this next chapter in Portland.”

–Field Level Media