Deadspin | Portland Thorns hire Robert Vilahamn as head coach

Deadspin | Portland Thorns hire Robert Vilahamn as head coach

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Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Portland Thorns announced the hiring of head coach Robert Vilahamn on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old Sweden native most recently coached Tottenham Hotspur in England’s Women’s Super League from 2023-25, leading the team to the Women’s FA Cup final in his first season.

Vilahamn replaces Rob Gale, who was fired after last November’s loss in the semifinals of the NWSL playoffs.

“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 general manager 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.”

Vilahamn coached the BK Hacken women’s team in Sweden from 2021-23, qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in both seasons and making consecutive Swedish Cup finals.

The Thorns have made the playoffs in all but one season since joining the NWSL as a founding club in 2013. Portland won league championships in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

“I’m very excited and thankful to be the new head coach of the Portland Thorns,” Vilahamn said. “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.”

–Field Level Media



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The Dallas Cowboys made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history on Monday, his agents at Athletes First confirmed.

The four-year, $28 million extension makes him the first kicker to earn $7 million per season. The deal also includes $20 million guaranteed, another record for his position.

Aubrey, 31, displaces the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker, whose average annual salary is $6.4 million.


Aubrey earned first-team All-Pro honors as a 2023 rookie and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons

Last season, he made 36 of 42 field goal-attempts (85.7%), including 11 of 17 from 50 or more yards, and 47 of 48 extra-point attempts. For his career, Aubrey is 112 of 127 (88.2%) on field goals with a long of 65 yards, and 126 of 130 (96.9%) on extra points.

A former Notre Dame soccer player who became a first-round MLS draft pick in 2017, Aubrey did not pursue a football career until 2019, after he was released by a second-division USL soccer club. He now holds the NFL record with six career field goals of 60 or more yards.

The Cowboys had placed a $5.7 million second-round tender on Aubrey last month while trying to work out a long-term extension.


–Field Level Media

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Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray left Monday’s game in Boston against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning due to right hamstring tightness.

Gray was in visible discomfort after issuing a two-out walk to put two runners on base. After a visit from a trainer and one test pitch, Boston manager Alex Cora removed Gray from the annual Patriots’ Day game at Fenway Park.


Gray allowed one run on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk in 2 2/3 innings. He was replaced by left-hander Danny Coulombe, who induced a groundout to end the inning.

Gray, 36, was acquired this offseason in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. The three-time All-Star began the day with a 2-1 record and has a 4.30 ERA through five starts.

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Despite a 1-6 start to the season and a seven-game losing streak in conference play, Wagner finished 14-17 overall and 8-10 in the Northeast Conference.


“Dwan has demonstrated steady leadership, integrity, and a clear commitment to our student-athletes during this transition,” school president Jeffrey Doggett said in a release. “He understands what makes Wagner special and is well-positioned to lead this program forward with purpose and pride.”

McMillan joined Wagner as an assistant coach in 2024 after working as the recruiting coordinator at Fordham from 2022-24.

“I am honored to serve as head coach at Wagner College,” McMillan said. “This program has a strong foundation, and I am committed to supporting our student-athletes, strengthening our culture, and competing at the highest level. I look forward to building on what has been established and leading this team into its next chapter.”

Wagner, located on Staten Island, N.Y., has been a coaching stop for current UConn coach Dan Hurley (2010-12) and former Seton Hall and NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo (1976-82).


–Field Level Media

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