PORTLAND — One of the all-time scoring leaders for the United States women’s national soccer team will coach the Portland Thorns FC in its first season.
The team on Wednesday announced that Cindy Parlow Cone will be Thorns FC head coach for the 2013 season of the new National Women’s Soccer League.
Portland is one of eight cities in the new league. Thorns FC is owned by Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. The season is scheduled to kick off sometime in the spring.
Between 1996 and 2004, Parlow Cone scored 75 goals and had 25 assists in 158 appearances with the national team.
She helped the United States win the 1999 Women’s World Cup and gold medals at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics.
“It is very exciting to be part of a new women’s league and to be a part of launching a new professional team in Portland,” Parlow Cone said. “I’ve seen first-hand the great enthusiasm Portland has for soccer; it’s a soccer-smart fan base that generates an incredible atmosphere. I am very much looking forward to the first season of Thorns FC.”
Parlow Cone, 34, played in the Women’s United Soccer Association from 2001-03 with the Atlanta Beat.
She was twice named the national player of the year during her college career at North Carolina.
A four-time All-American, she helped UNC win national titles in 1996 and 1997. In recent years, Parlow Cone has been an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
The club is accepting refundable $25 per seat deposits toward Thorn FC season tickets. To learn more, call 503-553-5555 or send e-mail to ticketsales@portlandtimbers.com. Current Timbers season ticket holders and members of the Timbers season ticket waiting list do not need to place a deposit.
