PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have announced the addition of Jordan Franken who will serve as the goalkeeper coach within Head Coach Mike Norris’ technical staff.
"We’re so excited to bring Jordan on staff, he has both international and professional experience. We were inspired throughout his interview process by his take on goalkeeping, as well as set pieces. He’s been a great fit culturally and he adds his own flair to our goalkeeping unit that will advance them to the next level,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said.
Franken comes to Thorns FC from his home country of Australia, where he served as the goalkeeper coach for the U-23 and U-20 Australia Women’s National Teams, while simultaneously working as the first team goalkeeper coach for Melbourne City FC in the A-League. While with Melbourne City, Franken coached Australian goalkeeper Tegan Micah up to be the 2021 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year. Franken was also instrumental in the development of Lysianne Proulx, who recently earned her first call-up to the Canada National Team.
As a player, Franken spent time with his boyhood club, Perth Glory, as well as semi-professionally with Hume City FC. Additionally, Franken is the son of esteemed Australian goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach, Tony Franken.
“Jordan has been an excellent addition to our technical staff, and has already been hard at work developing our group of young goalkeepers in Shelby, Lauren and Kat, as well as working with Bella as she enters into this new chapter of her life,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “He brings with him an extensive background and history of the goalkeeping position and is keen to help our goalkeepers take their next steps towards becoming elite all-around goalkeepers.”
Franken joins a coaching staff that includes previously announced Assistant Coach Sarah Lowden and returning assistants Rob Gale and Vytautas (Vytas) Andriuskevicius.
