Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons was named as one of 10 finalists for #TheBest FIFA Women's Coach 2018 Award today by FIFA.
The 10-person shortlist for The Best FIFA Women's Coach 2018 award - based on their respective achievements during the period from 7 August 2017 to 24 May 2018 inclusive - has been compiled by a panel of experts from around the world of women's football.
You, the fans, now have a say and can vote for your personal top three (First choice: 5 points, second choice: 3 points and third choice: 1 point). The fan vote will be equally weighted alongside the votes of other key members of the footballing community - namely journalists, national team coaches and captains. The three finalists for each award will be revealed at a later date, with all award winners revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards show in London on 24 September. More information and the ballot to vote can be found at FIFA's website.Voting closes Aug. 9 at 3pm PT.
Since joining the club for the 2016 season, Parsons has helped Portland to an NWSL Championship (2017) and NWSL Shield (2016), helping Thorns FC become the first NWSL team with three trophies, while compiling a mark of 33-13-15 (.664) and 12 or more wins in each of his first two seasons with the club. On May 25, 2018, Parsons became the third coach in league history to register 50 career wins.
In just his second season with the club, Parsons helped Portland lift the NWSL Championship trophy behind one of the most dominant defensive performances in league history. Thorns FC tied the single- season record for the top defense in NWSL history, posting a 0.83 goals-against average, while also equaling the mark for the most home shutouts (7) in a single season. In addition, Thorns FC finished the 2017 regular-season campaign ranked first in fewest goals conceded (20), fewest goals conceded at home (8) and fewest goals conceded on the road (12).
