SALT LAKE CITY (Tuesday, August 7, 2007) - Real Salt Lake Owner David W. Checketts today accepted the letter of resignation submitted by current Technical Director John Ellinger, in order for the former head coach to pursue other opportunities. Ellinger will remain with the club through its next MLS game, August 18, at home against Chicago.
"Real Salt Lake will be eternally grateful for all that John Ellinger has given this organization since our inception," said Checketts. "John was tireless in his pioneering efforts as our first head coach and more recently as our technical director, enlightening players, fans, media, and the community-at-large with his expertise and in building and developing the fantastic soccer culture in Utah. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Ellinger has served as the team's Technical Director / Director of Soccer Operations since Major League Soccer's All-Time Leading Scorer, Jason Kreis, was named head coach for RSL on May 3. In that capacity, Ellinger worked closely with Kreis regarding player acquisitions, scouting, the MLS Draft, and all player personnel-related matters. </p>
"I appreciate the opportunities that my nearly three years at Real Salt Lake has brought me and my family," said Ellinger. "The memories of our inaugural home game, the Real Madrid contest last year, and this year's preseason trip to Spain stand out. Unfortunately, I need to excuse myself from my duties with RSL in order to pursue other engaging opportunities elsewhere within the sport."</p>
Ellinger also brought his vast experience in developing Real Salt Lake's world-class youth soccer academy in conjunction with Real Madrid, as well as the newly-formed RSL Youth Development program, which includes Under-16 and Under-17 age group teams in both Utah and Arizona, as well as a developing club program in Florida. Both RSL Utah and RSL Arizona are competing in the newly created Rocky Mountain Division of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Super Y-League.</p>
Ellinger was hired as the first coach in RSL history on October 6, 2004. In just over two seasons at the helm, the club compiled a record of 15-37-16 under Ellinger, including a 0-2-2 mark in 2007 prior to his assignment as Technical Director. The 55-year old Maryland native came to RSL after spearheading the creation and emergence of U.S. Soccer's vaunted Under-17 residency program in Bradenton, Fla., as his U-17 teams boasted a .723 winning percentage, the best mark in the program's history.</p>
