Yahoo Sports Can Mark Parsons steer Angel City to glory as their new sporting director?
Former Netherlands manager Mark Parsons has been appointed as the new General Manager and Sporting Director at NWSL side Angel City. Parsons is no stranger to the NWSL, having previously managed Washington Spirit on two separate occasions and the Portland Thorns.
Parsons’ first responsibility will be to find a new manager for the club, which is currently in a transitional period. Angel City have not seen much success with their last two managers, Freya Coombe and Becki Tweed, respectively.
A new era for Angel City
President of Angel City Julie Uhrman discussed her excitement about Parsons joining the Los Angeles club.
“Mark brings exceptional experience in the domestic and global game. Mark will lead our sporting operations, driving our culture and championship ambitions alongside our outstanding leadership team and staff. Together, we aim to set a high standard for excellence.”
However, some segments of fans will undoubtedly not share the same levels of excitement as Uhrman. Parsons’ record over the last four years or so has been far from stellar. Parsons did, however, have a good level of success in Portland, winning silverware with the club.
His win rates were much more dismal in his two stints at Washington. Between July 2013 and December 2015, he led the Spirit to win just over 35 percent of their 57 games. Then, during his second round in charge, he mildly improved to a 40 percent win rate in 2023 before getting sacked at the season’s conclusion. This has become something of a pattern for Parsons over the last four years of his career.
International football, the failed experiment
The Netherlands were heralded as a success story nation in football when Parsons took charge in 2021. They won the 2017 European Championship campaign under the management of Sarina Wiegman.
Players like Jill Roord, Daniëlle van de Donk, Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Martens were all regarded as some of the best players in the world at the time, not to mention the rest of the star-studded side. However, Parsons couldn’t find a way to make it work despite the talent at hand. A win rate of just over 55 percent during his tenure saw him be relieved of his position after a quarter-final loss against France.
There was no mincing of words from Dutch FA board member Jan Dirk van der Zee upon the announcement of Parsons’ departure.
“In the run-up to and at the European Championship, both the games shown and the results were disappointing, and we cannot afford that. The bar is high,” said Van der Zee in an official KNVB statement.
How will Parsons fare at Angel City
Obviously, it will remain to be seen if Parsons can turn around his recent form over the last four years and lead a team to success. It’s slightly discouraging to see such a forward-thinking club as Angel City, owned and operated by some of the most successful women in the modern day landscape, fall back on a man who has been nothing short of average.
@willow_bay @juhrman @karanortman Really, this is the best u could do! A re -hash that was let go from how many teams! Don't know who is making these decisions but OMG! Did u not see Gotham, Orlando do with young, fresh, innovative minds! Not old school same old thing!
— Joan Byrnes (@36Dublin) January 16, 2025
Some fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment in the seemingly short-sighted appointment. Although, if Parsons can find the form that led Portland Thorns to their impressive run during the 2021 NWSL season, then I’ll be happy to swallow my words, as I’m sure will other Angel City fans alike.
