Expansion Beat fires coach, assistant

KENNESAW -- The expansion Atlanta Beat has fired coach Gareth O'Sullivan with the Women's Professional Soccer team mired in last place.

Coming off its third straight loss, general manager Shawn McGee announced Tuesday that O'Sullivan and assistant coach Robbie Nicholson had been relieved of their duties. James Galanis was named interim head coach.

The Beat has just four wins and 17 points through 19 games in its inaugural season. With five games remaining and still hoping to slip into the playoffs, Atlanta decided to make a change.