Portland Cherry Bombs set to launch as music-driven USL W-League side

Goal reported that Alan Miller, owner of multiple lower-league teams, has launched the Portland Cherry Bombs, a USL W‑League club in Portland built around bold, music-driven branding and an explicit 'girl power' ethos.

Miller, who owns four teams — two soccer clubs and two minor‑league baseball franchises — puts imagery and culture ahead of traditional club models. His first soccer side, the Portland Bangers, leaned into crude, sports‑bro humour; the Cherry Bombs were designed to be part punk, part 1990s glam, "fueled by music, and driven by culture," with a crest that nods to a cracked LP and a launch party staged as a 1970s punk disco. Miller has argued that clubs must give fans something to care about, saying "It is disrespectful to you as a soccer fan..." and asking, "Why would you care?"

On the field, Miller still wants competitive teams: the Bangers finished fourth in their USL League Two division and sold out every game in their first season. The W League is presented as a pathway into the professional USL Super League; GM Courtney Schmidt said the Cherry Bombs aim to develop collegiate players, she has six months to assemble a squad, and the club plans to kick off its inaugural season in May. Miller has also been exploring additional franchise rights and said he may hand clubs to others when appropriate.

Key Topics

Sports, Alan Miller, Portland Cherry Bombs, Portland Bangers, Usl W-league, Usl League Two