The Portland Thorns fired head coach Rob Gale on Tuesday after the team finished third in the NWSL standings and was eliminated in the semifinals of the playoffs.

Assistant coach Sarah Lowdon was appointed as interim head coach.

The club also parted ways with assistant coach Adam Day.

Gale took over as Thorns head coach midway through the 2024 season and went 28-21-10, while guiding Portland into the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Portland lost 2-0 in the semifinals to the Washington Spirit this month.

“We are grateful to Rob for his dedication to the Thorns and the positive influence he has had on our players and staff,” Thorns general manager Jeff Agoos said in a statement. “We thank Rob for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor.”

The Thorns wrote in a statement, “A comprehensive search for the next permanent head coach will begin immediately.”

–Field Level Media