CARSON, CA (July 27, 2017) – The LA Galaxy have parted ways with Head Coach Curt Onalfo, effective immediately. In his place, former Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy Manager Sigi Schmid has taken his place. That escalated quickly.
LA Galaxy Fire Curt Onalfo: Sigi Schmid Hired Immediatelly
The LA Galaxy were on a five game losing streak. They were outside the MLS Cup Playoff picture and dropping. The club had already dropped six league games at home in 2017. They lost six regular season home games from 2013-16. It appeared Onalfo’s tactical understanding (or lack there of) could have caused him to lose the locker room. With attendence lagging and Los Angeles FC coming into the league next year, the Galaxy needed something to kickstart the season.
“After a great deal of evaluation and careful consideration, we believe that Sigi Schmid is the best person to coach our team for the remainder of this season and into the future. Sigi is one of the most experienced coaches in the history of soccer in the United States and he is an extremely successful manager that has proven himself to be a winner within Major League Soccer. Sigi has been one of the best coaches the history of our league and we have full confidence in him to lead our team moving forward. Our goal remains to win trophies and be the best club in North America and we believe that Sigi gives us the best opportunity to achieve this. Curt Onalfo has been a loyal servant to the Galaxy and Galaxy II for a number of seasons and we wish him well,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein.
Schmid comes in having coached the Galaxy from 1999-2004. He is a two time MLS Cup Champion and the winningest-coach in MLS history with 254 wins across the regular season and playoffs. Schmid last coached in 2016 for Seattle Sounders FC, but was fired in the summer. Seattle went on to win the 2016 MLS Cup. He will be on the sidelines for the Galaxy’s next game. They’ll be conveniently taking on the Seattle Sounders.
