Christy Holly (left), with Sky Blue FC midfielder Raquel Rodriguez and president Tony Novo on 2016 NWSL draft day. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)

By Michael Lewis

FrontRowSoccer.com Editor

Christy Holly stepped down as Sky Blue FC coach Wednesday afternoon.

No immediate reason was given for his resignation by the National Women’s Soccer League club, although his decision was mutually agreed upon by Holly and the team.

According to a press release, Holly “leaves the organization on good terms.”

The club did not announce Holly’s successor as Sky Blue FC prepares for Saturday’s 7 p.m. home game against Seattle Reign FC at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J.

Jilly Loyden, Dave Hodgson, Paul Greig and Maria Dorris will guide the team for the team being, according to Sky Blue FC president and general manager Tony Novo.

Sky Blue (7-9-2, 23 points) is in the midst of a four-game winless streak (0-3-1) and in sixth place, three points out of the fourth and final playoff spot.

The team has struggled mightily recently, especially on defense in its last three matches, all losses. The squad has surrendered 14 goals during that span — a 5-4 defeat to Seattle July 22, a 4-1 loss to the Washington Spirit Aug. 4 and a 5-0 romp by the Orlando Pride last Friday.

“At this point in my life I have made the decision to step aside from coaching this exceptional group of players,” Holly said in a statement on Twitter and Instagram. “While I look forward to what is next for me, I will always look fondly on my time with Sky Blue and the opportunity to work with the players and organization.”

Holly then thanks the Sky Blue FC owners and players, Cloud 9, the supporter’s club, former Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra, now in a similar capacity with the Washington Spirit and all NWSL head coaches.

“First and foremost, we want to thank Christy Holly for everything he has done for Sky Blue FC,” Novo said in a statement. “From the first day he came to our club as an assistant coach, Christy has always been committed to Sky Blue FC, and we wish him nothing but the greatest of successes in whatever he chooses to do going forward. That said, we know that Sky Blue FC remains in great hands with Jill Loyden, Dave Hodgson, Paul Greig and Maria Dorris as we approach the remainder of the regular season with a full ambition of reaching the NWSL Playoffs.”

Holly was named Sky Blue FC head coach in January 2016 after serving as an assistant coach.