With no wins in their first four games this season, the Portland Thorns moved coach Mike Norris into a role as technical director Tuesday and named Rob Gale interim head coach.
“After an in-depth review, we have decided to start to reorganize our soccer operations department to better serve our club and our athletes,” Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc said in a statement.
Kansas City Current midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta (10) and Portland Thorns FC midfielder Jessie Fleming (21) battle for control of the ball during an NWSL soccer match at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo.
Reed Hoffmann / AP
The Thorns currently sit at the bottom of the National Women’s Soccer League standings with three losses and a draw to start the season. It is the team’s worst-ever start to a season.
The Thorns are launching an international search for a new coach, the team said.
Gale was a youth coach for New York City FC before becoming an assistant with the Thorns ahead of the 2023 season.
Norris was in his second season as Portland's coach, compiling a 10-7-8 record. In his new role, he'll focus on scouting, talent acquisition and player development.
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