Filipa Patão Named Inaugural Boston Legacy FC Head Coach

Filipa Patão has been named the inaugural head coach of Boston Legacy FC, the city's first professional women's soccer team since 2018, which will join the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as an expansion team in 2026. Patão, formerly the coach of Benfica's women's team in Portugal, led the club to five consecutive national titles and a quarterfinal appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League, earning a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year. She expressed excitement about the ambitious project in Boston, highlighting the alignment of her values with the club and the city's rich sports culture, while embracing the challenge of the competitive and parity-driven NWSL environment. The Boston Legacy FC's general manager, Domènec Guasch, noted a rigorous six-month hiring process involving over 60 candidates before selecting Patão, emphasizing her impressive track record and fit with the club's goals. Patão aims to build a strong team culture and legacy from the ground up, with a focus on adaptability and development, and has already begun assembling a roster including notable players. The club also named Jennifer van Dijk as president to oversee business operations, signaling a comprehensive approach to launching the franchise.