LAFC have parted ways with first-year head coach Marc Dos Santos following a dramatic slump in form that has left the club sixth in the Western Conference standings.
The decision was announced on Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas further deepened the club’s growing injury to playoff confidence.
LAFC have won just two of their last 13 matches across all competitions, a run of form that ultimately proved impossible for the club’s hierarchy to tolerate.
Marc Dos Santos was hand-picked by president of soccer operations John Thorrington just nine months ago as the successor to MLS Cup-winning coach Steve Cherundolo.
Dos Santos had served as Cherundolo’s assistant for four seasons before taking the top job, and also previously held the head coach position at the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite a talented roster headlined by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga, the club sits 15th in the league in goals per game, 19th in big chances created, and 16th in expected goals.
Thorrington paid tribute to the departing coach in a brief three-paragraph club statement released following the decision to terminate his contract.
“Marc has given a great deal to this club over the years, and we are grateful for his commitment, care and contributions to LAFC,” Thorrington said. “We wish Marc and his family all the best moving forward.”
Dos Santos, who remained popular among his players despite the difficult run of results, reflected honestly on the challenges the team has faced during his tenure.
“It’s a hard moment right now for us. And we have to face it,” Dos Santos said. “It’s been hard for us to get wins. A lot of draws, a lot of close games.”
He added: “We need to have everybody together and start working on what this team can be. That’s the big objective during the break.”
LAFC, who stand at 11 wins, nine losses, and eight draws, said they will begin the search for a new manager immediately but have not named an interim replacement.
The club’s next fixture is not until October 10, when they travel to face Vancouver, giving the front office a brief window to address the coaching situation.
Dos Santos finished his stint in charge of LAFC with a final record of 19 wins, 10 losses, and 10 draws across all competitions.
