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NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Portland Thorns FC Reorganize Soccer Operations Department

April 16, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC announced today a reorganization of the club's soccer operations naming Rob Gale as Interim Head Coach and Mike Norris as Technical Director. The club will conduct a global search for the next head coach of Thorns FC immediately.

"After an in-depth review, we have decided to start to reorganize our soccer operations department to better serve our club and our athletes," said Karina LeBlanc, General Manager and President of Thorns FC Soccer Operations. "Thorns FC have set the standard for excellence in the league. These changes will help us maximize our strengths as we continuously pursue championship-level success."

Gale takes over as Thorns FC interim head coach in advance of the Portland Thorns FC vs. Houston Dash fixture at Providence Park this Saturday, April 20 at 7:00pm PT live on ION. Gale joined Thorns FC as an assistant coach prior to the start of the 2023 season. Prior to joining Thorns FC, Gale was with New York City FC as a youth coach in the club's academy. Gale was the head coach and general manager of Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League from 2018-2021.

Norris moves into the role as technical director after serving as the fifth head coach in Thorns FC history. As technical director, Norris will focus on scouting, talent acquisition and player development. Norris went 10-7-8 in 25 NWSL matches as head coach and was an assistant coach during the club's NWSL Championship winning campaign in 2022. Prior to his arrival in Portland, Norris spent eight years with Canada Soccer in numerous capacities. From 2019-2021, Norris served as the set play and goalkeeper coach for the Canada Women's National Team. During that time, Canada won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

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