Portland, OR – January 7, 2025 – Portland Thorns FC has announced the appointment of Jeff Agoos as the club's new President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. A five-time MLS champion and former U.S. Men’s National Team defender, Agoos brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Thorns.
Agoos is a legendary figure in American soccer, with decades of experience as both a player and executive. Over his distinguished playing career, he earned 134 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team and competed in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, and 2002). He played pivotal roles at top MLS clubs, including D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes, where he won a record five MLS Cup championships. His outstanding contributions to the sport earned him induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009.
After retiring in 2005, Agoos transitioned to executive leadership, serving as the Technical Director for the New York Red Bulls and, most recently, as Senior Vice President of Competition, Operations, and Medical at Major League Soccer. In these roles, he oversaw key league operations, competition integrity, and player welfare, helping to elevate MLS’s global profile.
“We have performed an extensive, methodical global search for our new President and GM. It became apparent that Jeff’s considerable experience in soccer operations and management makes him the ideal leader to guide the Thorns into a new era of excellence,” said Michael Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports.
“I’m honored to be part of such a prestigious club. The Thorns have a renowned legacy, and my focus is to provide the leadership necessary to ensure our on-field success, keeping the team at the top of the league and competing for championships,” said Agoos.
In addition to the appointment of Agoos, the Thorns today also announced that Lucy Rushton and Angus McNab will serve as Strategic Advisors to the Club.
Lucy Rushton, brings a wealth of expertise in data-driven player recruitment and development. Her previous roles include General Manager of Bay FC and Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis for Atlanta United FC. Rushton’s analytical approach will play a key role in shaping the Thorns’ strategic direction.
Angus McNab is a seasoned sports industry professional known for his ability to tackle both on- and off-field challenges. With a background in sports data, analytics, and consulting, McNab has worked with various leagues and clubs globally. His strategic expertise will support the Thorns’ mission of sustained success.
“We are confident that Jeff’s leadership, combined with the strategic insights of Lucy and Angus, will propel the Thorns to new heights.” said Thorns FC governor, Lisa Bhathal Merage. “Their combined expertise aligns perfectly with our goal of becoming the premier global women’s soccer club.”
RAJ Sports, the ownership group of Portland Thorns FC, remains dedicated to investing in both the club and the Portland community. This new leadership team reflects RAJ Sports’ commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
PORTLAND, Ore. (Saturday, August 15, 2026) – The Portland Thorns continued their impressive home form with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride on Saturday when forward Caiya Hanks — who was making her return to the pitch after missing action for over a year with an ACL injury — scored a stoppage time winner to secure three points for the home side.
Both sides battled back and forth as they tried to search for the opening goal, with Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold making three saves to ensure the match remained level going into the halftime break.
The Thorns came out into the second half much more threatening in Orlando’s half and finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when forward Pietra Tordin laid the ball off to forward Deyna Castellanos, who from the top right corner of Orlando’s box placed the ball perfectly into the top left corner of the goal over the hands of Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
The lead was short lived however when Arnold’s diving save to punch out a crossed ball in the 63rd minute ricocheted off the knees of Orlando forward Jacqueline Ovalle and rolled into the net to level things back up.
From there, Portland and Orlando continued in their fight to search for a second and despite several good looks at goal, the match remained level.
That would all change after Hanks — who subbed on in the 88th minute — curled the ball into the goal from outside the box in the 96th to send Providence Park into a frenzy as the Thorns secured three points and extended its home unbeaten streak to 12 matches, nine on the season.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns host Denver Summit FC for the first time at Providence Park on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 pm PT on ION and 910 ESPN Portland. Purchase tickets for the match HERE.
TEAM NOTES
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
N/A
Second Half
POR – Deyna Castellanos (Pietra Tordin) 58’
ORL – Jacqueline Ovalle 63’
POR – Caiya Hanks (M.A. Vignola) 90+6’
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold (GK), M.A. Vignola, Jayden Perry, Isabella Obaze (Sam Hiatt 78’), Carolyn Calzada, Jessie Fleming-C, Nina Nijstad (Cassandra Bogere 85’), Pietra Tordin (Caiya Hanks 88’), Deyna Castellanos (Renee Lyles 78’), Marie Müller (Morgan Weaver 67’), Sophia Wilson
Subs not used: Morgan Messner (GK), Reyna Reyes, Shae Harvey, Mallie McKenzie
Orlando Pride (4-4-2): Anna Moorhouse (GK), Hailie Mace (Gabi Nunes 90+8’), Rafaelle (Zoe Matthews 89’), Cori Dyke, Oihane Hernández (Zara Chavoshi 76’), Solai Washington, Ally Lemos, Haley McCutcheon-C, Julie Doyle (Summer Yates 65’), Jacqueline Ovalle, Barbra Banda (Angelina 65’)
Subs not used: Cara Martin (GK), Cossette Morche, Luana, Nicole Payne
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: N/A
ORL: Jacqueline Ovalle (Yellow) 40’, Julie Doyle (Yellow) 52’, Rafaelle (Yellow) 85’
MATCH STATS
POR | ORL
Goals: 2|1
Assists: 2|0
Possession: 51|49
Shots: 10|12
Shots on Target: 4|6
Saves: 5|2
Tackles: 16|16
Tackles Won: 9|11
Interceptions: 14|26
Fouls: 7|6
Offsides: 0|1
Corner Kicks: 0|6
ATTENDANCE: 19,106
Referee: Brad Jensen
Assistant Referee 1: Katarzyna Wasiak
Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Gaddes
4th Official: Justin St. Pierre
VAR: Danielle Chesky
Assistant VAR: Seun Yinka-Kehinde
Portland, OR – January 7, 2025 – Portland Thorns FC has announced the appointment of Jeff Agoos as the club's new President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. A five-time MLS champion and former U.S. Men’s National Team defender, Agoos brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Thorns.
Agoos is a legendary figure in American soccer, with decades of experience as both a player and executive. Over his distinguished playing career, he earned 134 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team and competed in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, and 2002). He played pivotal roles at top MLS clubs, including D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes, where he won a record five MLS Cup championships. His outstanding contributions to the sport earned him induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009.
After retiring in 2005, Agoos transitioned to executive leadership, serving as the Technical Director for the New York Red Bulls and, most recently, as Senior Vice President of Competition, Operations, and Medical at Major League Soccer. In these roles, he oversaw key league operations, competition integrity, and player welfare, helping to elevate MLS’s global profile.
“We have performed an extensive, methodical global search for our new President and GM. It became apparent that Jeff’s considerable experience in soccer operations and management makes him the ideal leader to guide the Thorns into a new era of excellence,” said Michael Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports.
“I’m honored to be part of such a prestigious club. The Thorns have a renowned legacy, and my focus is to provide the leadership necessary to ensure our on-field success, keeping the team at the top of the league and competing for championships,” said Agoos.
In addition to the appointment of Agoos, the Thorns today also announced that Lucy Rushton and Angus McNab will serve as Strategic Advisors to the Club.
Lucy Rushton, brings a wealth of expertise in data-driven player recruitment and development. Her previous roles include General Manager of Bay FC and Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis for Atlanta United FC. Rushton’s analytical approach will play a key role in shaping the Thorns’ strategic direction.
Angus McNab is a seasoned sports industry professional known for his ability to tackle both on- and off-field challenges. With a background in sports data, analytics, and consulting, McNab has worked with various leagues and clubs globally. His strategic expertise will support the Thorns’ mission of sustained success.
“We are confident that Jeff’s leadership, combined with the strategic insights of Lucy and Angus, will propel the Thorns to new heights.” said Thorns FC governor, Lisa Bhathal Merage. “Their combined expertise aligns perfectly with our goal of becoming the premier global women’s soccer club.”
RAJ Sports, the ownership group of Portland Thorns FC, remains dedicated to investing in both the club and the Portland community. This new leadership team reflects RAJ Sports’ commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
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