Mike Petke won’t be on the sidelines when Real Salt Lake faces LAFC in their U.S. Open Cup match tonight (10 pm ET | ESPN+), a club spokesperson confirmed.
Petke, per a report from Sam Stejskal of The Athletic, is partaking in a U.S. Soccer Pro License. In his place, assistant coach Freddy Juarez will lead the group.
“Due to unfortunate timing I will not be able to attend tonight’s U.S. Open Cup game,” Petke said in a club statement. “I will be in Minneapolis attending the U.S. Soccer Pro Coaching Course which is required licensing for me. The players, organization and I have full confidence in Freddy Juarez to lead the team tonight. Stronger together.”
RSL enters the match losers of their last two MLS games, while LAFC is eight games unbeaten in league play.
Back in 2017, a similar situation occurred when Jesse Marsch missed time with the New York Red Bulls as he pursued his UEFA Pro License Course. In his stead, now-head coach Chris Armas led the group.
