Former US Men’s National Team Defender Jorge Villafaña Named Head Coach PDX FC (Portland, OR)
Two years after retiring from professional football with the LA Galaxy, former US Men’s National Team defender and 2015 MLS Cup Champion, Jorge Villafaña is returning to the field, this time coaching UPSL Premier Division side PDX FC.
Based in Portland, Oregon, PDX Football Club are currently in the midst of their first UPSL season, with 12 goals scored through their first 7 games so far, the team is currently tied on points for 2nd place in the Oregon conference.
Villafaña, after playing for the Portland Timbers for over 4 years in two separate stints, just recently returned to the Portland-area after his time with the Galaxy. It was during his move back to Portland that PDX Football Club reached out to him with plans to expand their first-team coaching staff and operations, and build upon their already successful youth academy.
“After moving back to Portland I started coaching a little bit at a local club in the area and PDX reached out to me right before they started their journey in the UPSL. I just recently started my coaching career and the team owner explained to me how the UPSL league works and the club’s ambitions, and I was really interested.”
Born in Anaheim, California to Mexican parents, Villafaña established himself at the US National Team’s first choice left throughout 2017 and 2018. In July 2017, he helped the USMNT win the CONCACAF Gold Cup, his first international trophy with the team.
“The big motivation for me here is to become a better coach and share my experience in the game at the highest level, and hopefully one day coach at the MLS level. My goal is to build an attacking team that is going to be able to move the ball and transition quickly. We want to impose ourselves when we play.”
“It’s a learning experience working with these young men. Some are in school, and some are still working, and everyone has to come together and learn and adapt. It’s a unique experience in the UPSL. I want to build something at this level, learn here and continue developing as a coach.”
PDX FC will look to win out the remaining three games of the season as they challenge for a playoff spot in the Oregon Premier Division conference. Next week, they face the number two team in the conference, Cascadia United, in what could be a pivotal moment in their season. To stay up to date with PDX and the Oregon conference, visit www.premier.upsl.com/standings for the latest results and standings as we approach the playoffs.
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1, Womens and Academy divisions there are more than 500 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is now the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF. More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected]