Shortly thereafter allegations surfaced that Hansen had used a racist slur in the past and made other racially charged comments. He apologized in a statement to fans.

Utah Soccer Holdings executive Andy Carroll was also placed on a leave earlier this month while the team investigated allegations of workplace misconduct. MLS and the NWSL also launched investigations.

It was unclear if Sunday’s announcement regarding Harrington and Lancaster were connected to those investigations.

Players for the Royals issued a statement before Sunday’s match, but it don’t not specifically address the coaching moves or the other controversies.

“We’ve had enough. Enough of the racist systems excluding black and brown people. Enough of sexist stereotypes infiltration conversations about our talented and achievements as athletes. Enough of a work environment that is not open and includes for all,” the statement said, in part. “We acknowledge the past the past wrongdoings of this organization and choose to move forward in a new direction.”

Rodriguez said the players wanted to show they were unified.

“We had been discussing about putting a statement out together as one over the last few weeks. A lot of changes, a lot of occurrences happening right now with our club,” she said. “We just feel it was necessary to state our values and to discuss the direction in which we want to see the club going in.”