A New Era for the Portland Thorns
The Portland Thorns announced on Tuesday that Jeff Agoos will take the helm as the club’s next general manager, marking a significant step in the ongoing rebuild that has seen a coaching change and the departure of previous GM Karina LeBlanc. Agoos, a well-respected figure in U.S. soccer, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the club, with a clear mission to propel the Thorns back to the top of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
A Legacy of Success and Responsibility
"I’m honored to be part of such a prestigious club," Agoos said in a statement. "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." At 56, Agoos replaces Karina LeBlanc, who left the position at the end of the 2024 season to take on a new role with investment firm RAJ Sports. LeBlanc served as GM for three years, taking over in November 2021 when the club’s previous general manager, Gavin Wilkinson, was placed on administrative leave amidst a team investigation into how it handled a complaint against coach Paul Riley. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the Thorns, as the club looks to rebuild and reassert its dominance in the NWSL.
A Storied Background in Soccer
Jeff Agoos has long been a respected figure in U.S. soccer, known for his exceptional career both on and off the field. Agoos was part of the United States men’s national team squads for the 1998 and 2002 World Cup, and he is perhaps most famously remembered for being the final player cut from the 1994 World Cup roster, which represented the host nation. As a defender, Agoos earned 134 international caps, the last of which came in 2003. His club career with D.C. United was equally impressive, as he was a defensive bedrock for the team during its glory years, winning three of the first four MLS Cups in 1996, 1997, and 1999. In recognition of his contributions, Agoos was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in
