NJ/NY Gotham FC has parted ways with head coach Scott Parkinson, effective immediately.
Parkinson originally joined the club last August, taking over for Freya Coombe, who left to lead NWSL expansion team Angel City FC. Gotham will appoint an interim head coach, as the search for a permanent replacement begins.
“I want to thank Scott for his contributions to our organization and for the dedication he’s shown over the past year,” general manager Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.”
The former manager took over Gotham after working with the Chicago Red stars, where he served as lead assistant coach for over a year. He also saw time with the Utah Royals’ managerial staff.
He led Gotham to fifth place after taking over two-thirds of the way through the 2021 season, earning the team’s first playoff qualification in eight years. But the 2022 campaign has not been as successful, managing a 1W-3L-2D record in the preseason Challenge Cup tournament, and starting the regular season with 4W-8L-0D to land in 11th place on the table.
“On behalf of ownership, I want to personally thank Scott for the energy, work ethic, and commitment he brought to our club every day,” managing owner Ed Nalbandian said in a statement. “He is a true professional, and we wish him the best in the next chapter of his soccer career.”
The search is now on for a replacement.
“General Manager Yael Averbuch West and club leadership will begin a methodical process of identifying and interviewing a talented and diverse pool of candidates to serve as head coach for the 2023 season. An interim head coach will be announced shortly,” said Gotham in a team statement announcing the change.
The team returns to action on Sunday against OL Reign at Lumen Field.