LAFC Appoints Marc Dos Santos as New Head Coach
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has officially announced the appointment of Marc Dos Santos as their new head coach. This marks a significant moment as he becomes the third head coach in the club’s history.
Marc Dos Santos: A Career Overview
Marc Dos Santos, aged 48, has a rich coaching background spanning nearly 20 years. He previously served as an assistant coach with LAFC for the past four seasons. During this time, he contributed to the team’s victories, including:
- 2022 MLS Cup
- 2022 Supporters’ Shield
- 2024 U.S. Open Cup
A native of Montréal, Québec, Dos Santos has extensive experience coaching across Brazil, Canada, and the United States. He received his UEFA Pro License in September 2022.
Quotes and Vision
LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington expressed excitement about Dos Santos’s promotion. He highlighted Dos Santos’s deep understanding of LAFC’s identity and style of play. Thorrington noted that Dos Santos has earned the trust of both emerging talents and veteran players.
In his statement, Dos Santos conveyed his enthusiasm about the role. He emphasized the club’s strong foundation and culture, stating, “The ambition here is clear in the way we approach each day.”
Coaching Achievements
Dos Santos’s coaching career includes notable accomplishments in North America. Prior to joining LAFC, he coached the Vancouver Whitecaps, holding a record of 22 wins, 37 losses, and 18 draws over two seasons. Overall, his head coaching record stands at 146 wins, 118 losses, and 88 draws.
His previous accolades include two NASL Coach of the Year titles in 2015 and 2017, and leading the San Francisco Deltas to the 2017 NASL Championship. He also captured the USL Western Conference Championship with the Swope Park Rangers in 2016.
Support from LAFC Ownership
LAFC Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal expressed confidence in Dos Santos’s ability to lead the team. Rosenthal pointed out that Dos Santos’s understanding of LAFC’s culture and his fresh ideas are vital for advancing the club’s ambitions.
Rosenthal stated, “We are confident that Marc possesses the qualities needed to bring out the best in this group.” This reflects the ownership’s high expectations for the club’s future performance on and off the field.
International Experience
Before his time in Major League Soccer (MLS), Dos Santos also had a successful coaching stint in Brazil. He spent two years coaching youth teams, including FC Primeira Camisa (U-20) and SE Palmeiras (U-15), where he won a Copa do Brasil U-15 championship.
His diverse coaching journey reflects his commitment to developing talent and his capability to foster a winning environment. The club looks forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in the upcoming seasons.
