Quick Facts
Biography
Mark Parsons (born 8 August 1986) is an English-American soccer manager and currently the head coach of the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League.
Background
Parsons holds UEFA A & B Licenses, a USSF National Youth License and a NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma.
Managerial career
Chelsea LFC
He spent six years in multiple coaching roles in England, including time as the head coach of Chelsea Ladies Reserve which he led to an unprecedented three championships in his first season.
DC United Women Under-20s
In 2012, Parsons led the D.C. United Women Under-20s to the 2012 Super-20 League final, which they lost the final against Colorado Rapids Women.
Washington Spirit Reserves
He was signed by Washington Spirit on 16 March 2013 to manage their reserve team for the 2013 W-League season.
Washington Spirit
Following the dismissal of Washington Spirit manager Mike Jorden, on July 2013 he was promoted to be the first team manager. The team was at the bottom of the table halfway through the 2013 season when Parsons took over, but he led them to their first two home wins in 2013 and into the playoffs in both the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Parsons stepped down from his position as head coach and GM of the Washington Spirit on 30 September 2015.
Portland Thorns
On 5 October 2015, Parsons accepted the position as head coach of Portland Thorns FC.
He led a new-look team through a 12 game undefeated streak from the beginning of the 2016 season, finishing as the regular season champions and winning the NWSL Shield but falling to the Western New York Flash in the Thorns' first-ever home playoff match on 2 October 2016.
The Thorns repeated in securing a home playoff match in the 2017 season, in spite of suffering numerous injuries to the first xi throughout the season including the long term absence of Tobin Heath. After beating the Orlando Pride 4–1 in the semi finals, the Thorns won the NWSL championship by defeating the North Carolina Courage 1–0 in the final.
Managerial statistics
All competitive league games (league and domestic cup) and international matches (including friendlies) are included.
- As of 13 July 2016
| Team | Nat | Year | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | |||
| Washington Spirit Reserves | 2013 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 060.00 | |
| Washington Spirit | 2013–2015 | 57 | 20 | 13 | 24 | 035.09 | |
| Portland Thorns FC | 2016–present | 46 | 27 | 10 | 9 | 058.70 | |
| Career Total | 118 | 56 | 25 | 37 | 047.46 | ||
Personal life
Parsons is British and also holds US citizenship.He resides in Beaverton, Oregon with his wife, Hannah and daughter, Edie.
Honours
- D.C. United Women
Runner-up
- Super-20 League: 2012
- Portland Thorns FC
Coach of the Year
- National Women's Soccer League: 2016
NWSL Shield
- National Women's Soccer League: 2016