CARSON, CA (October 24, 2017) – The LA Galaxy have relieved Peter Vagenas of his General Manager duties, effective immediately. Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid will assume player personnel responsibilities. Vagenas will remain in his role as Vice President of Soccer Operations.
Pete Vagenas Fired As GM As Sigi Schmid Takes Over Player Personnel Duties
The 2017 season was horrendous by a bunch of metrics and standards for the LA Galaxy. Not only did they fail to make the playoffs, they finished last in Major League Soccer, winning (unofficially) the ‘Wooden Spoon.’ A number of young players forced into new roles struggled. Combined with a bunch of poor money and player decisions, this team fell short of expectations, independent of injuries and coaching ineptitude.
“The results this season did not meet the standard and expectations of this club, our fans and this city. Sigi has a proven track record building championship-caliber teams in MLS. He understands this league, its players and its structure as well as anyone in soccer and we have full confidence in him as we enter this offseason to strengthen our roster ahead of 2018. Pete has been an important member for this club on and off the field and will continue to play a part in our club as the Vice President of Soccer Operations,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein.
Schmid is the winningest coach in MLS history and took over the head coaching role in late July. He will now oversee all soccer operations, including scouting, player acquisition, and management of the coaching staff. He effectively now has the same (or at least a very similar) role that Bruce Arena had prior to leaving the club last year.
“I am excited for the opportunity to build the LA Galaxy roster into one that is capable of competing for championships. The Galaxy continue to have tremendous support from Dan Beckerman, Mr. Anschutz and AEG in every aspect of operations and I look forward to further aligning and improving the LA Galaxy, Galaxy II and our Academy. This offseason is vital as we look ahead to the coming season and we will begin the efforts necessary to strengthen our roster immediately,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid.
Los Angeles finished their season on Sunday at FC Dallas, a 5-1 loss. They now turn to the 2018 season as they look to rebuild, make the playoffs, and go head-to-head with new rival, Los Angeles FC.
