Utah Royals FC coach Amy Rodriguez has been fired 15 games into the club’s first season.
Rodriguez, a star player who was part of the Royals’ first iteration in Utah, was chosen to lead the expansion club in April. With team team in last place — with a record of 2-11-2 — Rodriguez and goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel were both fired after
Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Portland.
Royals assistant Jimmy Coenraets will be the team’s interim head coach.
Royals President Michelle Hyncik, meanwhile, will be moved to a different role in owner David Blitzer’s office and will no longer oversee the team’s operations. Real Salt Lake President John Kimball will.
“This expansion season has been full of lessons and learnings, and we are now focused on reorganizing leadership efforts on and off the pitch,” Kimball said Sunday in a statement. “We are grateful and appreciative of Amy, Michelle and Maryse and their efforts in helping re-introduce the Royals to Utah’s incredible fans and the international soccer community. We believe women’s sports are a vital part of Utah’s culture. Our club and ownership group are committed to delivering a product our fans will be proud of. While we have faced adversity this season, we are focused on building a team off and on the field that can compete at the highest levels for years to come.”