Wednesday sports news

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 30, 2015

As expected, the Portland Thorns appear ready to poach a coach from another team as the replacement for Paul Riley, whose contract was not renewed after two seasons.

The Washington Spirit, also a member of the National Women’s Soccer League, announced on Wednesday that coach Mark Parsons is leaving, and the Guardian reported he is in line to coach the Thorns.

The Thorns are expected to announce their new coach next week.

Parsons, from England, guided Washington to the NWSL semifinals the past two seasons.

BLAZERS MAKE THEIR MOVES

The Trail Blazers have exercised their options on the contracts of three players: guard CJ McCollum (for his fourth season), center Mason Plumlee (fourth season) and forward Noah Vonleh (third season).

THORNS’ SALUTE

The Portland Thorns’ club awards for 2015:

MVP; Golden Boot — Allie Long

Supporters’ Player of the Year — Michelle Betos

Defender of the Year — Kat Williamson

Newcomer of the Year — McCall Zerboni

UO’S WISE GETS PAC-12 HONOR

The Pac-12 has named Oregon Ducks sophomore Aaron Wise men’s golfer of the month in the conference.

Wise won The Jackrabbit in Valentine, Neb., on Monday, becoming the fourth Duck to win three or more events.

Wise, from Lake Elsinore, Calif., also was third the Husky Invitational, leading Oregon to a tie for first.

In six September rounds, he averaged 69.67, fifth in the country, with five rounds under par and one at even par.