The Utah Royals has fired Amy Rodriguez halfway through her first season as head coach, the team announced on Sunday. Utah is in last place in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) a week ahead of the summer Olympics break
Newly appointed assistant coach Jimmy Coenraets will serve as the team’s interim head coach. Royals goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel was also fired.
Royals team president Michelle Hyncik, who played with Rodriguez in high school and hired her for the job, “will begin transitioning to a new opportunity” in a legal role with the Blitzer Family Office.
Real Salt Lake president John Kimball will oversee business operations for the Royals while the organization, which shares ownership with MLS’ Real Salt Lake, looks for a new Royals president.
“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 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…
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