Ellinger has resigned his position effective Aug. 20 - two days after RSL's next game, against Chicago at Rice-Eccles Stadium - in order to pursue other coaching and development opportunities.

"I appreciate the opportunities that my nearly three years at Real Salt Lake has brought me and my family," Ellinger said in a statement. "Unfortunately, I need to excuse myself from my duties with RSL in order to pursue other engaging opportunities elsewhere within the sport."

Ellinger was the first coach of RSL, having joined the team from his position as the coach of the U.S. Under-17 national team and director of its residency program in Florida.

Though highly esteemed for his role in developing such soccer stars as Landon Donovan, Damarcus Beasley and Freddy Adu, the coach never enjoyed much success with RSL, going 15-37-16 before being fired barely a month into this season. Legendary striker Jason Kreis retired from his playing career with the team to replace Ellinger, and frequently consulted his close friend on many matters involving the team.

Ellinger had accepted his unusual role with the team that fired him as coach in part because of his friendship with Kreis, and recently said he "got over" most of his hard feelings toward team management.

Checketts said in the statement released by the team that his organization "will be eternally grateful" for everything Ellinger has done for the franchise.

mcl@sltrib.com