PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC today announced that Vytas Andriuskevicius has joined the club’s coaching staff as an assistant coach.
“Vytas has been working in the local Portland soccer community and we are thrilled to have him join our Thorns coaching staff,” said head coach Rhian Wilkinson. “He brings a huge passion for the game and a deep knowledge of the club from having played here.”
The former Timbers defender has his USSF C license and joins the staff of the Oregon Premier Soccer Academy. During his time with OPFC, Vytas served as the head coach of the 2007 boys academy team as well as an assistant coach with the 2003 boys team.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to work with the best coaches, people and players, to learn and to give myself as a person to help this team”, said Vytas. “The transition from player to coach has been enjoyable and challenging. It has also allowed me to see things from a new perspective and I am excited to bring all my different experiences together with the Thorns.”
Professionally, Vytas arrived in Portland in 2016, playing with the club until Aug. 2018. During his time with the Timbers, he appeared in 37 matches (29 starts), recording one goal and four assists. A native of Lithuania, Vytas announced his retirement in 2021 after more than a decade playing professionally in the United States, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Kazakhstan and Lithuania. At the international level, I have featured in 31 matches for the Lithuania Men’s National Team.
Pronunciation: vee-tas an-drew-SKA-vi-jus