The title Director of Goalkeeping carries certain implications. The word “director” is right there. Combine that status with the playing career Nadine Angerer amassed in goal, and you have some idea about the prestige a former FIFA Player of the Year brings to a technical staff. Angerer isn’t your typical goalkeeping coach.
Undoubtedly, that’s part of the reason why Portland Thorns FC are thrilled to have the German legend’s contract extended with the club. But those surface details are a fraction of why Angerer has worked so well in Portland, with the true value of her place within head coach Mark Parsons’ staff having less to do with her playing resume than how her skills and personality have meshed within the new Thorns’ culture.