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Former defender Vanney returns to LA Galaxy as head coach
LOS ANGELES, Jan 6, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Greg Vanney was named coach of the
Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday, returning to the Major League Soccer club
where he began his football career as a defender in 1996.
The 46-year-old American spent the past six years as manager of Toronto
FC, guiding the Canadian club to the 2017 MLS crown and being named 2017
Coach of the Year before leaving last month.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to coach the LA Galaxy,”
Vanney said. “The LA Galaxy are an iconic club with a rich history in Los
Angeles, MLS and North American soccer over the last 25 years.
“I am committed to working tirelessly for this club, our fans and Los
Angeles to win a championship. I look forward to this new challenge in my
career and am eager to get started.”
Vanney, who went 112-82 with 56 draws at Toronto, takes over a Galaxy
squad that won only six of 22 matches in a Covid-shortened 2020 campaign and
missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons after missing only
three times in the club’s first 21 years.
“We’re thrilled that Greg is returning to the LA Galaxy,” team president
Chris Klein said. “Greg is focused on building a culture that will serve as
the foundation of this club.”
Vanney replaces Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who parted ways with
the Galaxy at the end of October after two years in charge.
The squad boasts talent in Mexico internationals Javier “Chicharito”
Hernandez and Jonathan dos Santos.
Toronto reached the playoffs in five of the past six seasons under Vanney,
who played for the Galaxy from 1996-2001. He also had stints at French side
Bastia and MLS stops at Dallas, Colorado and DC United before closing his
career in 2008 with the Galaxy.
“Greg is a part of the history of the LA Galaxy and we are confident that
he is the right person to lead our team moving forward,” Galaxy general
manager Dennis te Kloese said.
“He has deep knowledge of this club and Major League Soccer as a player
and a coach and has proven to be a consistent winner with a championship
pedigree.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0946 hrs