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Portland Thorns add Becky Sauerbrunn as technical consultant

9/4/2026

Summary

Becky Sauerbrunn Hired

Portland Thorns hire Becky Sauerbrunn (defender) as technical consultant for the rest of the 2026 season.
She will provide defensive expertise, veteran mentorship, and assist with video analysis.
The Thorns sit fifth with eight games left, 11-5-6 (38 points), seven points behind Gotham FC for the NWSL Shield.
Sauerbrunn is a two-time World Cup champion, three-time NWSL champion, and earned 219 U.S. caps, captaining 2021-2023.

Summary

Sauerbrunn Honored

Portland Thorns honored Becky Sauerbrunn before the March 29 2025 match at Providence Park.
The ceremony featured a Getty Images photograph taken by Rio Giancarlo.
Organizers highlighted Sauerbrunn’s four NWSL Defender of the Year awards and Olympic gold medal.
Site manager Phuoc Nguyen announced the tribute and introduced himself as All For XI’s new manager.
Jeff Agoos praised Sauerbrunn as a massive addition to the Thorns’ technical staff.

History

Historical Context

When the Women's Professional Soccer league launched in 2009, it fielded eight teams and secured a $30 million investment, aiming to professionalize U.S. women’s soccer. US Soccer Federation contributed $5 million, while star defender Abby Wambach scored 14 goals that inaugural season, boosting league visibility. Portland Thorns’ 2025 tribute to Becky Sauerbrunn and her 2026 technical-consultant role echo the league’s earlier strategy of integrating veteran internationals into club staff. That precedent helped the NWSL sustain growth, leading to nine franchises by 2024 and establishing Portland as a model for mentorship-driven success.

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Becky Sauerbrunn Hired

Portland Thorns hire Becky Sauerbrunn (defender) as technical consultant for the rest of the 2026 season.
She will provide defensive expertise, veteran mentorship, and assist with video analysis.
The Thorns sit fifth with eight games left, 11-5-6 (38 points), seven points behind Gotham FC for the NWSL Shield.
Sauerbrunn is a two-time World Cup champion, three-time NWSL champion, and earned 219 U.S. caps, captaining 2021-2023.

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