Orlando City has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Oscar Pareja. Pareja joined the club in December 2019 and took the club to six straight postseason appearances, including winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2022.
“I want to thank Oscar for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to our club,” Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director, said in a statement from the club. “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. We are grateful for everything Oscar has contributed and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
The Lions (0-3) started off the season with three consecutive losses for the first time in club history. Pareja was unable to bring his young squad up to the levels that were expected, with the offseason roster turnover contributing to the disjointed performances. While his tenure did not end well, he will be remembered for bringing sustained success to a club that had floundered toward the bottom of the standings before his arrival.
“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,” Pareja said in a statement. “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.”
Martin Perelman steps into the role as interim head coach, and the Lions take on CF Montreal on Saturday in their first game without Pareja.