LAFC sack Marc Dos Santos after defeat to FC Dallas
LAFC have dismissed head coach Marc Dos Santos after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at FC Dallas, with general manager John Thorrington acting after a damaging run of results. No successor has yet been appointed.
Dos Santos removed after Dallas setback
The decision ends Dos Santos’ first season in charge, only nine months after he was chosen to replace Steve Cherundolo. The former Vancouver Whitecaps boss had previously spent four years as Cherundolo’s assistant in Los Angeles.
Thorrington thanked Dos Santos for his service, saying the coach had brought commitment, care and significant contributions to the club during his time with LAFC.
Dos Santos becomes only the third permanent head coach in LAFC history. The club entered MLS as an expansion side in 2018 and had previously enjoyed sustained success under Bob Bradley and Cherundolo.
Results and performances drive change
LAFC are sixth in the Western Conference with an 11-9-8 record, despite a squad led by Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga. They have won just one of their past nine matches in all competitions.
- The Dallas loss left LAFC with one win, four defeats and five draws in MLS action since July.
- LAFC were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League in May.
- Supporters had increasingly criticised the team’s rigid approach and substitutions.
- The club has been booed at BMO Stadium by sections of its home crowd.
Dos Santos opened his MLS coaching spell with a statement 3-0 victory over defending champions Inter Miami, played before 75,673 spectators at the Coliseum. That early result did not lead to a sustained push near the top of the West.
Recent LAFC coaching history
Bradley quickly established LAFC as contenders during his four years in charge. Cherundolo then led the club to the 2022 MLS Cup and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup before stepping down last year, with a return to Germany initially expected.
Cherundolo instead agreed in July to lead the United States under-23 side through the 2028 Olympics.
Dos Santos’ appointment had already divided opinion, as Thorrington promoted from inside the club for a second successive coaching hire. Some fans had wanted a tactical reset after Son’s high-profile arrival last year.
What happens next
LAFC have six regular-season matches remaining and do not play again until October 10, when Vancouver visit. The club must now decide who will take charge for the final push toward the MLS playoffs.
