University of Missouri – Kansas City hires Ryan Pore as head men’s soccer coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin announced today the hiring of Ryan Pore as the new Kansas City Roos head men’s soccer coach.

Pore played professionally for seven years, including four seasons from 2005-08 with Sporting Kansas City. He comes to Kansas City from the University of Tulsa where he has been on the coaching staff since 2013.

“We are excited to have Ryan join our KC Athletics family,” said University of Missouri-Kansas City Director of Athletics Dr. Martin. “Ryan’s pedigree as a player, proven success in recruiting, and commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes, made him the ideal fit for our program. I’m excited for our future in Men’s Soccer.”

In his time at Tulsa, Pore began as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach in his final three seasons (2017-19). Under the direction of head coach Tom McIntosh, Pore helped TU post a 56-49-23 (.527) overall record in seven seasons, claim three American Athletic Conference championships and advance to the NCAA Championship three times. Also, he helped mentor five players who would eventually go on to play professionally, including Tony Rocha, the 73rd overall pick by Sporting KC in the 2015 draft.

“I want to thank Dr. Martin for trusting in me to lead the next chapter of this program,” said Pore. “There has been great success here over the years and I want to add to that foundation. Also, I want to thank the University of Tulsa for helping me in my professional development and to coach McIntosh, who has been a mentor over the past few years and a lifelong friend.”

Pore has familiarity with the Kansas City culture and soccer in the region. After being drafted 16th overall in the 2005 SuperDraft by Sporting KC, he would go on to play in 58 career games scoring three goals in a four-year span with the professional club. He cited that experience nearly 15 years ago as an attractive quality of taking this position.

“Obviously, I have a history with Kansas City living there for four years. I’m familiar with the city and the University is in a beautiful part of the city. Academically, the University has great things going for it to attract the quality student-athlete that I’m looking for. The area has a rich history of soccer. In just my short time there, you can feel the passion of the fans.”

The 2020 soccer season will bring a different kind of change as the Roos become full members of the Summit League – a conference they were a part of from 1994-2013. That change is something that Pore is looking forward to.

“Moving to the Summit League will be exciting giving us the ability to renew some regional rivalries and get to the NCAA Tournament, which is ultimately what we want to do. I think it helps in recruiting, the overall awareness of the game and the great sport of soccer. I think it’s a great move for us and I’m looking forward to it.”

In three seasons (2002-04) as a player at Tulsa, Pore became the program’s only two-time All-American, and finished his career ranked second in points (123) and goals (51). As a junior, Pore set TU’s single-season record for goals (22) and points (55), and the single-game mark for assists with five. He was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 and a two-time All-MVC First-Team performer (2003 and 2004). Pore was tabbed to the All-Midwest Region First Team twice, while concluding the 2003 campaign as the nation’s second-leading scorer and was the top scorer in the country in 2004.

While he played professionally, he also had coaching stints with the Blue Valley Predators (2008), Bridlemile Soccer Club (2009-10) and Tulsa Soccer Club (2012), as well as serving as a volunteer student assistant coach during the 2012 season at Tulsa.

Pore earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational studies from Tulsa in 2013. He is married to Ashley and they have one son, Luca, and a daughter, Stella.

Career
•    University of Tulsa Associate Head Coach | 2017-19 (3 years)
•    University of Tulsa Assistant Coach | 2013-16 (4 years)
•    Professional Player (Portland Timbers, Montreal Impact, Kansas City Wizards) | 2005-12 (7 years)
•    University of Tulsa, Player | 2002-04 (3 years)

What others are saying about Head Coach Ryan Pore…
•    Tom McIntosh, University of Tulsa Head Coach: “Ryan has been an important part of our program and my life since 2002 and I have no doubt he is ready for the next step in his career. He will build on what Kansas City previously has achieved over the coming years, which is the job of all of us in college soccer. He is the best hire for the Kansas City Men’s Soccer program!”
•    Jimmy Conrad, Former Sporting KC player and U.S. Men’s National Team member: “Kansas City has made a great choice in hiring Ryan as the head men’s soccer coach. His experience as a player at the top level in this country, and now as a coach will allow him to have a big impact on his players and the University. Knowing Ryan, I have no doubt that his work rate and leadership will help guide the program in a good direction.”
•    Gavin Wilkinson, Portland Timbers General Manager and President of Soccer: “Ryan was a highly regarded member of the organization during his time with the Timbers. He is a well-rounded and charismatic leader who has the perfect skill set to succeed in any organization. We wish Ryan great success in his future pursuits.”
•    Kerry Zavagnin, Sporting KC Assistant Coach and played with Ryan at Sporting: “Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the game, with his playing at Tulsa and then professionally with Sporting and the Timbers. His experience will bring tremendous value in building the program into one of the best in the country.”