The team announces coaching changes following a disappointing season and player absences
Category: Sports
Los Angeles FC (LA FC) announced on September 28, 2026, that it has parted ways with head coach Mark Dos Santos due to the team's poor performance this season. The announcement came via the club's official website, where they stated they would soon reveal an interim coaching staff and begin the search for a new head coach.
Dos Santos took the helm of LA FC in December 2025, succeeding Steve Cherundolo, after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the team. His tenure, which began with high hopes, saw the team struggle throughout the 2026 season, currently sitting sixth in the MLS Western Conference with a record of eleven wins, eight draws, and nine losses, accumulating a total of 41 points.
The club's struggles were exacerbated by the recent absence of key players, including Son Heung-min, who were called up for international duty. In their last match, LA FC suffered a 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas, marking a disappointing stretch where the team managed only one win in their last ten matches (four draws and five losses). This poor form led to widespread criticism of Dos Santos's tactical decisions, particularly his use of Son and fellow forward Denis Bouanga, who had previously thrived under Cherundolo's guidance.
LA FC's decision to dismiss Dos Santos reflects a growing concern within the organization about its competitive standing in the league. The team has been unable to replicate the success they enjoyed in previous seasons, including winning the 2022 MLS Cup and other accolades. John Thorrington, LA FC's co-president and general manager, expressed gratitude for Dos Santos's contributions, stating, "Mark has put in a lot of effort for this club over the years, and we wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors." This sentiment highlights the appreciation for Dos Santos's dedication, even as the results on the field did not align with expectations.
Critics have pointed out that Dos Santos's approach to utilizing players like Son Heung-min has been ineffective. Son, who joined LA FC last season, has recorded six goals and thirteen assists in the current campaign, but his potential has not been fully realized under Dos Santos's management. Instead of leveraging Son's strengths as a forward, Dos Santos often employed him in a more withdrawn role, limiting his ability to impact games directly.
With Dos Santos's departure, LA FC is now tasked with finding a new head coach who can reinvigorate the team and restore its competitive edge. The club has indicated that it will announce an interim coaching structure shortly, allowing for a smooth transition as they search for a long-term solution. This move is seen as a necessary step to regain momentum in the league and improve their standings.
As the search for a new coach commences, players like Son are expected to return to the squad after the international break, where they will continue to compete in the MLS. Son's performance will be closely monitored as he adapts to the new coaching dynamics. The coming weeks will be telling for LA FC, as they aim to turn their fortunes around and make a push for the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the club's immediate focus will be on the upcoming matches following the international duty, where they hope to secure victories to climb the standings. The appointment of a new head coach will be a key factor in determining the team's success for the remainder of the season.
In the meantime, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how LA FC will navigate this transitional phase and whether the changes will yield the desired results on the pitch. The club's next match is scheduled for mid-October, marking a fresh start under new leadership.