As you look at the NWSL standings roughly five games into the season, it appears both clubs from the Pacific Northwest are in prime position for playoff runs yet again. This is not an uncommon theme, as both the Portland Thorns and Seattle Reign have been in almost every single playoffs since the league’s first season in 2013.
While these two teams have been unbelievably successful and consistent, the success has come in different ways. This is especially true when looking at the two clubs’ respective managers. While both managers bring immense European experience, their NWSL experience is vastly different and makes both of their situations uniquely noteworthy.
Robert Vilahamn – Portland Thorns FC
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The Portland Thorns are back to their winning ways to begin the 2026 NWSL season, but it has come with someone new managing the team. Following Rob Gale’s departure in late 2025, it was the Swedish-born Robert Vilahamn who took the reins in Portland.
Vilahamn’s managerial career dates all the way back to 2009, coaching in his native Sweden with multiple men’s clubs. One would say his coaching career’s turning point came becoming an assistant coach for BK Hӓcken. This would lead to him earning the manager job with Hӓcken’s women’s team, and thus his managerial career in women’s soccer took off.
It was in 2023 that Vilahamn got the job as manager for Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s side. This would by far be his biggest job yet, and in his three years with North London, would stack up wins and bring the club to an FA Cup Final. After the club and Vilahamn parted ways in 2025, he would move across the pond and to Portland to take over the Thorns ahead of the 2026 season.
Now it’s a 3-1-1 start to his first season managing the Thorns, including a statement win over Washington to kick off the season. Vilahamn will look to lead this ever-so-talented team to the franchise’s fourth championship and first one since 2022.
Laura Harvey – Seattle Reign FC
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Despite being English-born, it is safe to say Laura Harvey is Seattle through-and-through. The Reign have won three NWSL Shields, all of which have come with Harvey running the show.
Harvey started her managerial career in 2006 with Birmingham City, the very team she had previously played for and been an assistant coach with. Her time there, along with her time being an assistant coach for some of England’s Youth National Teams, eventually earned her the spot as manager of one of Europe’s powerhouses: Arsenal. After leading the Gunners to three straight league titles, it was time to head to the States.
In 2013, Harvey’s first stint in Seattle would begin, taking over the manager job for the franchise in the NWSL’s inaugural season. While leading Seattle to two NWSL Shields in 2013 and 2014, Harvey would win NWSL Coach of the Year in both those seasons, and the honor of FA Coach of the Year in 2014 specifically. From 2017 to 2021, Harvey would have short stints with the U.S. Youth National Teams, as well as a year with Utah.
Then in 2021, Harvey would return to the Emerald City. Since then, Seattle has seen several deep playoff runs, as well as a third NWSL Shield. However, one thing is missing: the championship. With a strong start to the 2026 season, having three wins and one draw through five games, Harvey and her squad are poised for another deep playoff run and potentially even the opportunity to bring Seattle its first NWSL Championship.
Featured image via @reignfc
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