Orlando City SC has made a coaching change after a poor start to the 2026 MLS season.
Oscar Pareja has been relieved of his duties, the Eastern Conference club announced Wednesday. Assistant coach Martín Perelman has been appointed interim head coach following Pareja’s departure.
Perelman steps into the interim role after serving as First Team assistant coach since 2024. The Argentina native originally joined the club as head coach of Orlando City B ahead of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season, guiding the squad to its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs berth in 2023 before being promoted to the First Team staff.
“I want to thank Oscar for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to our club,” said Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “He delivered one of the most significant moments in Orlando City’s history with the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and helped establish the competitive foundation that has propelled us forward, highlighted by our active club-record run of six straight playoffs appearances, which is currently the longest streak in MLS.
“At the same time, we believe this is the right moment to take the Club in a new direction as we look to the next phase of our growth and ambitions,” he added. “We are grateful for everything Oscar has contributed and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
Pareja joined Orlando City as head coach in December 2019 and led the club to its first trophy in 2022, winning the U.S. Open Cup. He also led the Lions to the MLS is Back Tournament Final in 2020 and helped the club secure an active MLS-record streak of six consecutive MLS Cup Playoffs appearances.
His record concludes at 103-72-66 across all competitions.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Club’s players, staff and supporters for the trust they’ve given me over these last several years,” said Pareja. “Together, we shared moments that will stay with me forever. While it is the right time for both me and the Club to move in new directions, I leave proud of the work we did and with deep appreciation for the people who made it possible. Orlando will always have a special place in my heart, and I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”
Orlando City has started the new MLS season winless with a -8 goal difference through three matches.
Source link
Add Comment