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Jim Gabarra fired as Washington Spirit head coach, general manager

BOYDS, MARYLAND (Aug. 21, 2018) — Jim Gabarra, one of the longest-tenured coaches in women’s soccer in the United States, is out of a job.

Gabarra was fired as head coach of the Washington Spirit on Tuesday morning. The move was first announced by the Washington Spirit and Dan Lauletta of The Equalizer. Gabarra was also removed as general manager, a position he fulfilled.

Jim Gabarra fired as Washington Spirit head coach, general manager

According to Lauletta, Gabarra told his players the new face-to-face on Tuesday before offering hugs. He then left the practice facility.

He originally came to the Washington Spirit in 2016.

“Jim has put as much of his heart and soul into women’s soccer, this league and this team as anyone,” Bill Lynch, owner of the Washington Spirit, said in a statement. “He is a great professional with exceptional character and we can’t thank him enough for his efforts and wish him the best of luck.”

Gabarra’s firing comes after Washington’s major 4-0 loss to the Houston Dash on Saturday. This season, the Spirit have complied a record of 2-15-4. Currently, the Spirit are riding an eight-game losing streak.

Washington’s last victory came against Sky Blue FC on May 23.

The Spirit have announced that Tom Torres will take over as interim head coach. Filling in the role of general manager will be current Spirit president, Chris Hummer.

What’s Next?

Washington is officially out of playoff contention, but the team still has three matches left in the regular season. With stars like Ashley Hatch, Rose Lavelle, Andi Sullivan and Mallory Pugh on the roster, Washington is desperate for an overdue victory.

Regular season matches left include hosting the Utah Royals FC on Wednesday, Aug. 22. On Saturday, Aug. 25, the Spirit will play its first-ever match at Audi Field, the new home of D.C. United.

The season closes with another home match in Boyds against Sky Blue FC on Sept. 1.

"The fact that we're going to be the first women's team to play here is really special." –@MalPugh on @AudiField

🏟️ https://t.co/c9XFnx5GtM pic.twitter.com/RFLvp1MZdb

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) August 16, 2018