New England sports team, the Boston Legacy, appoints Filipa Patão as their head coach for the upcoming National Women's Soccer League season.
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Soccer stalwart Filipa Patão is all set to conquer the States! She's been tapped as the inaugural head coach of Boston Legacy FC, the brand-spankin'-new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team poised to kick off next year in July, pending her visa approval.
Patão, a seasoned 36-year-old coach, lugs a shining resume from Portuguese club Benfica, where she's been helming the women's senior team since 2020. With a mind-boggling record of 156 wins, 28 losses, and 15 draws across all competitions, it's no wonder her dynamic leadership has earned Boston Legacy's trust. Under her savvy guidance, Benfica racked up five consecutive Campeonato Nacional titles – Portugal's top flight women's league.
Not content with domestic domination, Patão led Benfica to unprecedented territories, guiding them to the quarterfinals of the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League. Even more impressive, this historic feat was replicated the following season with a run to the second round. Such achievements earned her a coveted spot on the Ballon d'Or's inaugural Women's Coach of the Year shortlist in 2024.
"American soccer is a serious beast – and that's exactly why I jumped at this fantastic challenge," Patão declared in a statement. "Competition? You bet! It's the adrenaline rush I thrive on, pushing players to elevate their game, reach new heights, and reinvent themselves. Boston's fans are impressive – fervent and full-throttle – and I'm stoked to craft a fresh legacy alongside them."
Boston Legacy and another expansion club in Denver will join the NWSL roster next year, expanding the league to a robust 16 teams.
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For a deeper dive into Patão's coaching style and philosophy, check out our Enrichment Section!
tl;dr: Meet Filipa Patão, the dynamo soccer coach taking the reins at Boston Legacy FC, NWSL's newest expansion team. With an impressive track record of five straight Campeonato Nacional titles, a trip to the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinals, and a nomination for the inaugural Ballon d'Or Women's Coach of the Year award, she's an inspired pick to lead the club's inaugural season in 2026.
Toronto news outlets report about Filipa Patão's appointment as head coach of Boston Legacy FC, citing her successful tenure with Benfica's women's senior team and her nomination for the inaugural Ballon d'Or Women's Coach of the Year award. The sports enthusiasts in Toronto watch out for any updates on Patão's journey in the National Women's Soccer League, especially with football being a popular sport in the city.
