Jennifer Lalor

Jennifer Ann Nielsen (; born September 5, 1974) is an American former soccer midfielder who is an assistant coach for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She made 23 appearances for the United States national team from 1992 to 2001.

Life Born in Chula Vista, California, Lalor attended Bonita Vista High School and helped the soccer team to two undefeated seasons and clinch two Metro League titles. She opted not to play high school soccer during her junior and senior years and instead played for the Southern California Blues club team.

Santa Clara University Lalor attended Santa Clara University, where she played for the Broncos from 1992 to 1996. In 1994, she led the team in assists with 20. She was named to the NSCAA All-American team in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Lalor played in two Final Fours with the Broncos and led the nation in assists in 1994 and 1996. She was a finalist for the Missouri Athletic Club Award and Hermann Trophy in 1993 and 1994.

Playing career

Club From 1997 to 1998, Lalor played professionally in Japan for Shiroka Serena. In 1998, she played in Denmark for FB. In 1999, she played for Swedish club, Hammarby. In 2003, she played for the San Diego Spirit.

International Lalor was a member of the United States women's national soccer team player pool from 1987 to 1995. Her first appearance for the senior team occurred on August 18, 1992 in a match against Norway. She scored her first goal on August 13, 1994 during a match against Mexico. She previously represented the United States on the U-16, U-19, U-20 levels. From 1987 to 1991, she played for the U.S. Under-16 and Under-19 National Team. In 1993, she competed with the U-20 National team in France, when the team won the International Women's Tournament.

In 2012, she was nominated for entry into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Coaching career On February 15, 2023, Lalor was appointed as an assistant coach for NJ/NY Gotham FC. On April 13, 2026, Portland Thorns FC announced their hiring of Lalor as an assistant coach of individual development.