The Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Team fired former coach Robert Vilahamn in June. Photo by Daniel Hambury/EPA
The Portland Thorns hired Swede Robert Vilahamn as their new head coach, the National Women’s Soccer League franchise announced Wednesday.
Vilahamn, who was fired by the Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Team in June, will lead a Thorns squad led by United States Women’s National Team members Sophia Wilson and Olivia Moultrie.
“I’m very excited and thankful to be the new head coach of the Portland Thorns,” Vilahamn said in a news release. “The club has everything I look for, with a clear ambition to win, an incredible fan base and a strong environment for developing talented players.
“The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and coming to the U.S. to be part of it is a major step in my career. I’m really looking forward to starting this next chapter in Portland.”
The Thorns, who fired former coach Rob Gale in November, went 11-8-7 to finish third in the NWSL standings last season. They went on to lose to the second-place Washington Spirit in the NWSL semifinals. Gotham FC beat the Spirit 1-0 in the title game.
The Thorns won NWSL titles in 2013, 2017 and 2022. Rhian Wilkinson was their coach during the 2022 run. Mark Parsons coached the Thorns in 2017. Current U.S. Soccer Federation Cindy Parlow Cone coached the Thorns to their first crown.
The Thorns qualified for the playoffs in 11 of the last 12 years that the NWSL held a postseason. They advanced to the semifinals 10 times during that span.
Vilahamn coached at Tottenham from 2023 to 2025. He also coached BK Hacken and Qviding FIF, among other Swedish clubs.
“Robert arrives with managerial experience at the highest levels of the women’s game, possesses a strong track record of helping players grow, and will strengthen our team environment by providing new global perspectives and insights,” Thorns president and general manager of soccer operations Jeff Agoos said.
“His proactive, front-foot approach aligns with the identity and expectations of the Thorns and our supporters, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portland.”
The Thorns will battle the Spirit in their regular-season opener at 8 p.m. EST March 13 in Washington, D.C.
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