(Portland, OR) -- The owner of the Portland Thorns women's soccer team is selling. Merritt Paulson has been criticized for actions surrounding the firing of former coach Paul Riley on allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct. Paulson says they won't rush the sale and need to find the right owner to maintain the team's success. They're the first team to win three NWSL Championships. Paulson is also pledging one-million dollars to help create an NWSL Player Safety Officer. Paulson will continue to own the Portland Timbers.