LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016) – LA Galaxy Associate Head Coach Dave Sarachan will leave the team to pursue other professional opportunities, the club announced today. Sarachan departs after eight successful years with LA Galaxy, during which he helped lead the club to three MLS Cup victories (2011, 2012, 2014) and two MLS Supporters’ Shields (2010, 2011).
"I am proud of the role I have played in delivering three MLS Cup Championships to Los Angeles and I'm thankful for the relationships I've developed over the course of my time here,” said Sarachan. “Leaving a group of players of such quality and class is not easy but, professionally, I am ready for a new challenge."
Sarachan joined LA Galaxy on Aug. 18, 2008; the same day Bruce Arena was named Head Coach and General Manager. Since then, Sarachan has helped the Galaxy earn a 125-70-79 record in regular season play and reach five MLS Cup Finals, winning three and bringing the club’s total to a record five total MLS Cup trophies.
“Dave is an extremely talented coach and has been an invaluable member of this club since 2008, helping lead us to some of our greatest accomplishments,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein. “Dave is also an outstanding person who gave everything to those he worked with. We thank him for his years of contribution and fully support him moving forward.”
Before joining the Galaxy, Sarachan served as assistant coach on Arena’s teams at the University of Virginia (1984-1988), D.C. United (1998-1999), and the U.S. Men’s National Team (2000-2002).
“Dave has been an outstanding member of this organization for nearly a decade,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “His passion, dedication, and experience have been incredibly valuable to players, coaches, and staff. I want to thank Dave for his hard work and wish him the best of luck. He will be missed immensely.”
A veteran coach in college soccer, MLS, and the U.S. National Team, Sarachan joined Arena’s staff at the University of Virginia in 1984 and returned to Cornell to become the school’s head coach after five years with the Cavaliers. During his nine seasons with the Big Red, Sarachan achieved a 64-63-16 record, a pair of NCAA Tournament berths, and an Ivy League Championship.
Sarachan joined United in 1998 and helped lead the club to a 1999 MLS Cup title. In 2000, Sarachan rejoined Arena on the U.S. National Team, where the pair led the U.S. to the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, their best World Cup finish since 1930. After the 2002 MLS season, Sarachan became head coach of the Chicago Fire. As head coach for five seasons, Sarachan led the Fire to the 2003 Supporters’ Shield, the 2003 MLS Cup Final, and the U.S. Open Cup Championships in 2003 and 2006. His work with the Fire earned him the 2003 MLS Coach of the Year award.
Prior to joining the Galaxy, Sarachan served as the Director of Scouting for the United States Soccer Federation’s Developmental Academy Program, where he identified many top young players across the nation. Sarachan is a native of Rochester, N.Y. and a graduate of Cornell University, where he was an All-American soccer player, helping lead the Big Red to the NCAA Tournament during his senior year. Before coaching, Sarachan played professionally in both the NASL and the MISL.
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