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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Portland Thorns undergoing touchline shake up</li><li>Head coach position now open</li><li>Mike Norris promoted to Technical Director</li></ul>

Sophia Smith's Portland Thorns make drastic coaching change amid worst-ever start to NWSL season

The Thorns have undergone their worst-ever start to an NWSL season, winless through four matches at a record of 0-1-3. According to <a href="https://theathletic.com/5420434/2024/04/16/portland-thorns-mike-norris-rob-gale/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>, changes are now being made in an attempt to get their season back on track. As well as Norris being moved from his position, Rob Gale has been promoted to interim head coach while they search for a permanent appointment.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Thorns General Manager Karina LeBlanc has announced there is no timetable for their search for a head coach, rather, they will conduct a lengthy review process for applicants to fill the role. “The results have not gone our way, and in a head coach position, the results do matter,” LeBlanc said on Tuesday afternoon. “But the results that we have, you can’t just pinpoint it on one position.”

WHAT THE THORNS SAID

The Thorns rough start to the season hasn't gone over well internally, with fans or with players. USWNT veteran Becky Sauerbrunn sounded off on their disappointing campaign so far after Sunday's loss to the North Carolina Courage.“It’s hard to find a lot of encouraging things, but what I find encouraging is that people are frustrated,” she said postgame. “People are pissed off that we’re not doing well. We care, and I think that’s really important. So everyone after this game is going to look at themselves - and there’s going to be no finger pointing - we’re going to look at ourselves and figure out what we should have done, or what I should have done better.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sophia Smith and Co are back in action against the Houston Dash on Saturday evening. They'll look to earn their first victory of the season, while also beginning their permanent head coach search at the same time.

WHAT NEXT FOR PORTLAND?

Sophia Smith's Portland Thorns make drastic coaching change amid worst-ever start to NWSL season | Goal.com English Bahrain

Portland Thorns head coach Mike Norris has been promoted to Technical Director, opening up the position to new candidates amid their winless start.