The Greenville Triumph won a recent game despite its fully-vaccinated head coach missing it with a COVID-19 diagnosis. | pixabay
The Greenville Triumph won a recent game despite its fully-vaccinated head coach missing it with a COVID-19 diagnosis. | pixabay
John Harkes, head coach of the USL League One Greenville Triumph soccer team, tested positive for COVID-19, causing him to miss a recent match against the top-ranked Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Harkes had been fully vaccinated, he said in a statement.
“It’s unfortunate that I have tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19,” Harkes said. “I’m fully vaccinated and thankfully feeling well, which I believe is largely due to the protection of the vaccine. I’d encourage everyone to consider getting it if they haven’t already done so.
“I believe our club’s high vaccination rate helped prevent the spread of my positive test results, and I have full confidence in our coaching staff and players as we continue to make our playoff push this weekend against a strong Chattanooga side.”
Even without its coach, Greenville went on to defeat Chattanooga, 1-0, thanks to JJ Donnelly's tally in the 30th minute. Paul Christensen registered the clean sheet with 12 saves.
Triumph assistant coaches Rick Wright and Alex Blackburn shared coaching duties in the win.
Alerts Sign-up