PORTLAND, Ore. — Utah Royals coach Craig Harrington has been placed on a leave of absence in the latest round of tumult to hit owner Dell Loy Hansen's Utah Soccer Holdings.
The Royals confirmed shortly after the start of the team's game against the Portland Thorns Sunday that Harrington and assistant Louis Lancaster were both put on leave and assistant Amy LePeilbet was named interim head coach. No reason was given for the move.
Following the game, a 3-0 loss to the Thorns, LePeilbet said the move was made swiftly but offered no additional details.
Team captain Amy Rodriguez said: "Right now, the club has told me that I am not in a position to comment about the staff at this time.