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.”
I'm told that Petke is attending is a U.S. Soccer Pro License course. Mandatory for him to attend to obtain the license.
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) June 11, 2019
In other words, he's missing a game in U.S. Soccer's own tournament so he can attend a U.S. Soccer coaching course. https://t.co/Df7Z9Mk7r8
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.
