[WPS] Defending champion Sky Blue FC hired its fifth coach in 14 months when it named Rick Stainton to replace Finn Pauliina Miettinen, who was hired in the offseason.

Ian Sawyers, husband of former U.S. national team star Julie Foudy, was fired after the first six games in 2009. His replacement, Kelly Lindsey, abruptly resigned with two games left, and Christie Rampone then took over as player-coach, leading Sky Blue to a playoff berth on the last day of the season and a three-game sweep of the playoffs.

Miettinen was coaching in Finland before joining Sky Blue.

Assistant Anne Parnila was also fired.

Sky Blue is only 5-6-3 but is in third place, one place higher than it finished in 2009.