Los Angeles FC have brought Marc Dos Santos’ first season in charge to an abrupt close, dismissing the coach after a slide in form left one of Major League Soccer’s most star-studded sides stalled in the Western Conference.
The decision was confirmed on Sunday night in Los Angeles, a day after LAFC’s 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas. No successor was named immediately for Dos Santos, who had been appointed only nine months ago as Steve Cherundolo’s replacement.
A short tenure in Los Angeles
- LAFC began their 2018 MLS expansion era with high ambitions and Dos Santos became only the third head coach in the club’s history.
- General manager John Thorrington chose a second consecutive internal appointment, promoting Cherundolo’s former assistant after four seasons on his staff. Dos Santos had also previously managed Vancouver Whitecaps.
- The new campaign opened brightly, with LAFC beating reigning MLS Cup holders Inter Miami 3-0 before a crowd of 75,673 at the Coliseum.
- That early momentum did not endure. LAFC were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in May and later struggled to make ground in the Western Conference race.
- The loss to Dallas left the club with one victory in their previous nine matches in all competitions, including a 1-4-5 MLS record since July.
- Thorrington then ended Dos Santos’ tenure, with LAFC sixth in the West on 11 wins, nine losses and eight draws.
Expectations had risen with Son and Bouanga
LAFC’s position has fallen short of expectations for a squad led by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. The arrival of Son last year had heightened hopes around the club, while the decision to promote again from within had already disappointed supporters hoping for a different tactical direction.
In announcing the change, Thorrington paid tribute to the departing coach’s longer connection with the club.
“Marc has given a great deal to this club over the years, and we are grateful for his commitment, dedication and contributions to LAFC,” Thorrington said.
For LAFC, the search now begins in a difficult part of the season: with the club still in the playoff places but needing to reverse a prolonged downturn quickly.
