SPRINGFIELD, MA (05/29/12) - The New England Mutiny of WPSL Elite have announced that Head Coach Tony Horta has taken a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. In his place, long-time New England "charter" staff member Chris Legates has been named the interim Head Coach and will lead the Mutiny (1-1-1 WPSL Elite) into this Saturday's home match vs. the Philadelphia Fever (0-1-1 WPSL Elite) at East Longmeadow H.S. (7:00 PM kick-off).

After a three-year hiatus from the coaching staff, LeGates was named New England assistant coach this spring. Chris had been an original member of the Mutiny coaching staff, going back to the team's inaugural Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season in 2003.

"I have all the confidence in the world in Chris taking over the ship in the interim," said New England Mutiny owner Joe Ferrara. "With Tony on leave, Chris deserved this opportunity for his commitment and loyalty to the Mutiny organization."

The Saint Joseph College (NCAA DIII) Head Coach will enter his 15th season at the helm of the Blue Jays soccer team this fall. LeGates has led the Blue Jays to an overall record of 120-99-16 (.545) during his tenure, including a school-record 14 wins in 2008 and again in 2010.

Chris has been named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Coach of the Year four times and is the only current GNAC coach to earn the honor on that many occasions. He is also currently the U-17 premier coach for the Academica Futbol Club as well as the program's Technical Director.

LeGates is a managing partner and director of the Collegiate Soccer System which operates camps, clinics and training of soccer players throughout New England. He has been involved in the Connecticut Olympic Development Program (ODP) and has established himself as both a lecturer and clinician in the region.

Prior to his coaching career, Chris was a standout for the University of Hartford (NCAA DI), where his team won the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Championship and went to the Sweet 16 in the 1991 NCAA Tournament. He holds an Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

About the New England Mutiny: The New England Mutiny are a charter member of the WPSL East Conference, winning five East titles while reaching the WPSL National Final on two occasions. The Mutiny will compete in WPSL Elite in 2012, competing against the Boston Breakers, WNY Flash, New York Fury, Chicago Red Stars, F.C. Indiana, ASA Chesapeake and the Philadelphia Fever. For more information on the team, please visit http://www.MutinySoccer.com or send an e-mail to NewEnglandMutiny@aol.com. AAA (American Automobile Association) of Pioneer Valley & Green Earth Energy Photovoltaic are the Official Team Sponsors of the Mutiny. Visit AAA's official website at http://www.pioneervalley.aaa.com to receive auto insurance discounts & quotes, learn more about AAA Driving School, book special travel discounts, apply for an auto loan and more! Visit Green Earth Energy Photovoltaic's website at http://www.greenearthenergypv.com. You can also follow our team on Twitter and Facebook.

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