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SALT LAKE CITY — As the new faces of the Utah Royals make their mark on the team, the club has decided to let others depart for more fruitful opportunities elsewhere.
Defender Addisyn Merrick was the first departure announced Thursday, followed by forward Ify Onumonu and midfielder Amandine Henry on Friday. Both Onumonu and Henry played at the Paris Olympics with Nigeria and France, respectively.
The departures were described as "mutual" and that the organization is "supporting these players as they seek new opportunities." Henry, however, was the only player who requested to leave, the club said.
"She expressed her desire to look at other opportunities to achieve what she wants to achieve in the last few years of her playing career," the Royals said.
All three summer newcomers — Claudia Zornoza, Mina Tanaka and Cloe Lacasse — started for the Royals in their last match in Houston, adding minutes scarcity to already limited roles for Merrick and Onumonu.
Henry had consistent starts for Utah before the recent arrivals, but Zornoza's addition to the midfield and Ana Tejada's position change from center-back to defensive midfielder pushed her to the bench since returning from Paris.
"We are grateful for Amandine's contributions to the club," sporting director Kelly Cousins said in a statement. "Her experienced leadership in the locker room was vital in establishing the culture of our new club."
A club spokesman said the reason for the flurry of moves was the club's desire to wait until all the released players had deals set up with new teams.
Utah is on the road again this week against the Kansas City Current on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. MDT.
