John Harkes will end his time as head coach of the Greenville Triumph in December.
The U.S. men’s soccer legend has coached the USL League One team since its inception in 2018. He led the team to the playoffs in each of his five seasons, winning the league title in 2020 and making the championship game two other times.
“I hope that I have fulfilled my promises to build Triumph SC from the ground up and my dream to leave it in a better place,” Harkes said in a release from the team. “I am forever a member of the Greenville Triumph, and I will remain a full supporter of the club, fans and community moving forward.”
His contract runs through the end of 2023. According to the team, he will help with the transition to a new staff.
Harkes was a prominent figure on the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 1990 and 1994 World Cup tournaments, the latter of which was played in the U.S. He captained the team from 1995 to ’98. He was also the first American to play in the English Premier League, and played in the early seasons of Major League Soccer. Since his retirement he has been a broadcaster and coach.
His regular season record with the Triumph was 60 wins, 37 draws and 37 losses.
“Having John guide our coaching staff and players the last five years has been a joy for our supporters, fans and everyone in our club,” said Joe Erwin, co-owner and chairman of Greenville Triumph SC. “He’s embraced our community and what makes the Upstate special, and he has built a culture of success that is unmatched in our league.”
Greenville Triumph SC was founded in 2018 and began play in 2019. The men’s team played at Legacy Early College Field through 2022, then moved to Furman’s Paladin Stadium this past season. The club added a women’s team, Greenville Liberty, in 2022 to play in the pre-professional USL W League.
Thank you for everything, @johnharkes6. You’ll always be part of our club and community. pic.twitter.com/AWYpMUw64e
— Reedy River Riot (@GVLRiot) October 24, 2023
