HERRIMAN, Utah (ABC4) — In a move that was surprising to many, Utah Royals FC announced Sunday morning that they have fired head coach Amy Rodriguez.

Goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel has also been relieved of her duties. The team has a record of 2 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws, putting them at last place in the league.

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Michelle Hyncik, the team’s president, will “begin transitioning to a new role,” according to the football club. Sporting director Kelly Cousins retains her role and assistant coach Jimmy Coenraets will take over as interim head coach.

“This expansion season has been full of lessons and learnings, and we are now focused on reorganizing leadership efforts on and off the pitch,” stated Real Salt Lake President John Kimball, who will oversee business operations for the Royals while the organization spearheads the search for a new URFC president.

“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.”

Utah Royals FC played to a scoreless draw Saturday night, though many fans claim it was the best the team has played all season. The previous game was a relentless 6-0 defeat against the Orlando Pride.

Fans are questioning the timing of the firing for the first-year head coach, just halfway into the season, and after arguably their best performance all year.

The first game under interim head coach Jimmy Coenraets will be next Sunday, July 7, at 4 p.m., against the Seattle Reign.

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