Los Angeles FC Fired Coach Marc Dos Santos
The club dismissed its head coach following a string of poor performances that left the team struggling in MLS play.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
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Los Angeles FC has fired head coach Marc Dos Santos after a difficult season marked by underachievement and mounting fan criticism. The decision was announced by general manager John Thorrington following a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas.
Why it matters
The team has struggled significantly in recent months, winning only one of its last nine matches across all competitions. Club leadership parted ways with the coach to address tactical concerns and the team's ongoing decline in form.
The team holds an 11-9-8 regular season record and has posted a 1-4-5 mark in MLS matches since July. They have only one victory in their last nine games across all competitions.
The players
Marc Dos Santos
He served as the third head coach in Los Angeles FC history before being dismissed nine months after his hiring.
John Thorrington
He is the general manager of Los Angeles FC and announced the decision to fire the head coach.
FC Dallas
This professional soccer club defeated Los Angeles FC in the match that immediately preceded the head coach's firing.
The details
General manager John Thorrington confirmed the departure of the club's third head coach in history on the heels of Saturday's defeat. The move follows months of speculation regarding the team's substitution patterns and overall tactical approach.
Timeline
LAFC began play as an MLS expansion club in 2018.
The team was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League in May 2026.
LAFC lost 1-0 to FC Dallas on September 26, 2026.
The club is scheduled to play against Vancouver on October 10, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This coaching change follows the pattern of regression established during the club's 2026 CONCACAF Champions League elimination. With only six games remaining, the dismissal forces the squad to navigate the final playoff push without its primary tactical leader.
The removal of the head coach leaves the team with a thin six-game window to adjust their tactics before the conclusion of the regular season. This shift creates uncertainty for the starting rotation as the squad prepares for the upcoming match against Vancouver.
The takeaway
Management transitions mid-season require immediate tactical stability to ensure players remain focused on the final stretch of the schedule. Fans should monitor the upcoming match against Vancouver to observe the club's new leadership strategy.
What happens next
The club faces a critical match against Vancouver on October 10, 2026, which will serve as the first test for the team following the coaching change.
Further reading
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