Portland Thorns hire Jeff Agoos as New President and General Manager of Soccer Operations
Alongside new President and General Manager, Jeff Agoos, will be Lucy Rushton and Angus McNab who'll serve as Strategic Advisors.
The Portland Thorns have found their new President of Soccer and General Manager. Today, the club announced the appointment of Jeff Agoos.
“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.
He is a five-time MLS champion (D.C. United and San Jose Earthquakes) and former defender for the USMNT. His stellar play in the league, earned him 134 caps with the national team and played in three World Cups: 1994, 1998, and 2002.
Jeff Agoos is a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. After retiring in 2005, he transitioned into the front office. He served as Technical Director of the New York Red Bulls and most recently as Senior President of Competition, Operations, and Medical at MLS.
Agoos won’t be joining alone. His staff will include Special Advisors: Lucy Rushton and Angus McNab.
“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.
Rushton was most recently the General Manger of Bay FC and Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis for Atlanta United FC. Her analytical approach will be key for the club moving forward.
McNab has a vast history in sports data, analytics, and consulting. He has worked with leagues and clubs all over the world. The Thorns will lean on his strategic expertise moving forward.
“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.”
The club has now hired Agoos, Rushton, and McNab to the front office - they all come with immense experience.
The next steps for the front office is to decide on the direction of the club.
There are still a ton of questions, but they will be answered soon by the newest front office.
For more, please see the team press release.
What are your thoughts on the hires?
Well then! That's very much a real hire! Appears that real process was done! Color me initially pleasantly impressed/surprised!
Org structure is a little confusing. I assume Norris will be gone? Rushton is a really nice add, but her strengths are pretty much "technical director" personified. Wither Gale? Feels like there's a few more shoes to drop.
Ultimately, this is farrrrr better than anything I expected given how this process has played out. I hope they bring in their own people and aren't forced to retain Gale, but we just added the first two non-GW experienced soccer execs this org has ever had. That's *very* good and makes me think they wouldn't have taken the job without guarantees of control. Roster as at 19, so there's certainly moves to be made.
Regardless: These are real, experienced, soccer people with decades of experience in the jobs they were hired for. Also shouldn't be lost that McNab is an analytics consultant.....which is a pretty big deal to me as well. Doesn't guarantee success, but it's a good sign. Certainly nullifies the risk of KK shadow GMing at the very least!
Also I'm 100% okay with Agoos not doing a pre match lap. 😉