Photo courtesy of Major League Soccer / Mike Petke
On Thursday afternoon, soccer analyst and commentator Brian Dunseth first reported that Real Monarchs SLC has brought in former New York Red Bulls Head Coach Mike Petke to lead its side heading into the 2017 season.
Petke takes over for Freddy Juarez, who led the Monarchs during their first two seasons and has made a move to an assistant coaching role with the Major League Soccer side, Real Salt Lake.
“It really checked every box for me,” Petke said on Sirius XM radio Thursday. “Timing is everything, but more importantly, it’s the right fit and the right opportunity.”
It's been a heck of a day. I'm honored to be a part of the RSL family. Looking forward to getting to work and doing my part
— @petkemike (@petkemike) December 23, 2016
On Friday, the Monarchs made the Petke signing official and also announced the rest of the Real staff as he will be assisted by Mark Briggs and Matt Glaeser, both formerly of Wilmington Hammerheads FC.
Petke was with the Red Bulls coaching staff for four years, first as an assistant and then taking the head coaching role. He led NYRB to the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2013.
Petke takes over a Monarchs side that posted a 10-14-6 record during the 2016 season, finishing a few spots shy of the USL Cup Playoffs cutoff point in the Western Conference.