The NWSL coaching carousel continued today. Today, Gotham FC announced their new head coach and assistant coach: Scott Parkinson and Beverly Goebel Yanez. They replace Freya Coombe, who left Gotham on Sunday, for 2021 expansion team Angel City FC.
New Leadership
Parkinson joins the New Jersey side after becoming first assistant coach with the Chicago Red Stars in 2020. Prior to his time in Chicago, Parkinson the first assistant with the now defunct Utah Royals since 2017. Parkinson’s contract keeps him in the position through the 2022 season.
Goebel Yanez was a mainstay in the Reign FC, now known as OL Reign, lineup from 2014 to 2019. Prior to her time in the NWSL, Goebel Yanez played internationally in Australia, Japan and Finland. After Goebel Yanez’ retirement in 2019, she joined the club soccer world. She leaves the Juventus Academy in California with the titles of Director of Coaching and Technical Director.
The Athletics’ Steph Yang reported that Goebel Yanez’ contract is just through the end of 2021. However there is an option to retain her for the 2022 season.
Both coaches take over for the remaining eight Gotham FC regular season matches.
Initially, Coombe took the Angel City position under the notion that she’d complete the 2021 season; then move to Angel City for the 2022 season. Gotham announced that Coombe would instead leave the club at the end of the week, one day later.
2021 Coaching Overhaul
Coombe leaving Gotham is the fifth coaching change in the NWSL this season. Washington, Orlando, Portland and OL Reign all announced changes to their head coach. Only Portland’s Mark Parsons retained his role until season’s end.
Both 2022 expansion teams, Angel City FC in Los Angeles, and San Diego NWSL announced head coaches this summer. Casey Stoney joined San Diego after a successful tenure at Manchester United, in the FA Women’s Super League.
Gotham FC is in seventh place, one spot out of the playoffs. The metropolitan side lost their last three matches, and haven’t won since July 25, against the Chicago Red Stars.
Parkinson and Goebel Yanez’ first match is Saturday, against the same Chicago Red Stars. Gotham enters the match after a close 0-1 loss to the Orlando Pride, on Sunday. Chicago beat Kansas City 3-0 on Saturday, with two goals from midfielder Sarah Woldmoe and one from forward Katie Johnson.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the NWSL and the world of women’s sports. Thomas Costello is on Twitter @1ThomasCostello.
