The Portland Thorns announced on Tuesday that Hall of Famer Jeff Agoosas has been appointed as the team’s general manager and president of soccer operations.
Karina LeBlanc, who is still with Thorns owners RAJ Sports but serves in a capacity that includes the Thorns and the organization’s future WNBA franchise, will be replaced by Agoos, a legend as a player and then a lengthy executive at Major League Soccer.
Michael Whitehead, managing director of RAJ Sports, said in a statement, “We have conducted a thorough, systematic worldwide search for our new President and GM.” It became clear that Jeff is the best person to lead the Thorns into a new era of success because of his extensive background in soccer operations and management.
Before retiring in 2005, Agoos earned five Major League Soccer titles while playing for the San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United. In addition to playing in three World Cups and earning 134 caps with the U.S. men’s national team, the former defender was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009.
Following his playing career, Agoos served as the New York Red Bulls’ technical director until joining MLS in 2011. His most recent position was senior vice president of operations, competition, and medicine for the league.
“I feel privileged to be a member of this esteemed organization,” Agoos said in a statement. The Thorns have a well-known history, and my goal is to lead the team to success on the field so that we may continue to win titles and be at the top of the league.
Joel Odom
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