Three MLS Managers Under Pressure as Season Progresses
CF Montreal, Sporting Kansas City Already Make Changes
As the Major League Soccer season reaches just over one-fourth of the way through, the pressure is mounting on several underperforming coaches. CF Montreal and Sporting Kansas City have already made managerial changes in the 2025 season, parting ways with Laurent Courtois and Peter Vermes, respectively. With more teams struggling, could we see additional changes on the horizon?
D.C. United Struggles Continue
D.C. United finds themselves in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with just two wins so far this season. Manager Troy Lesesne has been unable to shore up his defense, leading the team to concede 22 goals in 10 games – tying them with the Chicago Fire for the most in the league. As patience wears thin, will D.C. United stick with Lesesne or opt for a change?
Reigning Champs LA Galaxy Yet to Find a Win
Despite winning the MLS Cup just months ago, the LA Galaxy have had a disastrous start to the season with seven losses in a row. Head coach Greg Vanney is under increasing scrutiny as fans and management wonder if he can turn things around. Will the Galaxy show patience with Vanney or make a swift change?
Atlanta United Struggling Despite Investment
Atlanta United, known for spending big on players, find themselves as one of the biggest underperformers in the Eastern Conference. Under the guidance of former MLS Cup-winning coach Ronny Deila, the team has managed just two wins in 10 games. Will Atlanta United trust in Deila to find a solution to their woes, or will they look for a new direction?
Coaches Feeling the Heat 10 Weeks into the MLS Campaign
With the season well underway, the pressure is mounting on several MLS coaches to deliver results. As teams struggle to find their footing, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on those whose seats are heating up. Will we see more managerial changes as the season progresses, or will struggling teams give their coaches more time to turn things around? Only time will tell as the 2025 MLS season unfolds.
Portland Timbers’ Unexpected Struggles
One team that has surprised many with their underperformance this season is the Portland Timbers. Known for their strong defensive play and attacking prowess in previous seasons, the Timbers have struggled to find their rhythm in 2025. Head coach Giovanni Savarese is feeling the heat as the team languishes in the bottom half of the Western Conference. With key players failing to deliver and defensive lapses costing them crucial points, Savarese’s future with the Timbers hangs in the balance.
Rising Expectations for Nashville SC
On the flip side, Nashville SC has been a team on the rise in recent years. With a solid defensive foundation and a knack for grinding out results, expectations have been high for head coach Gary Smith and his squad. However, a string of draws and close losses have left Nashville SC hovering around the playoff line. As fans and pundits begin to question whether Smith can take the team to the next level, the pressure is mounting for a breakthrough to solidify their position in the standings.
New York City FC’s Inconsistent Form
New York City FC has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has struggled to maintain consistency. Head coach Patrick Vieira has faced criticism for his team’s inability to string together a series of wins. With a talented roster at his disposal, including star players like Maxi Moralez and Alexander Callens, Vieira is under pressure to find the right balance and unlock his team’s potential. As the season progresses, New York City FC will need to address their inconsistency if they hope to challenge for the top spots in the Eastern Conference.
The Impact of Midseason Managerial Changes
Historically, midseason managerial changes in MLS have had mixed results. While some teams have experienced a resurgence under new leadership, others have struggled to adapt to the changes. The decision to replace a head coach midseason is not taken lightly, as it can disrupt team chemistry and require time for the new coach to implement their tactics and philosophy.
As more teams face mounting pressure to turn their seasons around, the possibility of additional managerial changes looms large. Whether struggling teams choose to stick with their current coaches and hope for a turnaround or opt for a new direction remains to be seen. With the competitive nature of MLS, every decision can have a significant impact on a team’s performance and aspirations for the season.
As the 2025 MLS campaign progresses, the fate of several underperforming coaches hangs in the balance. With expectations high and results lacking, the pressure is on for these managers to deliver or face the consequences of a midseason change. Only time will tell how these teams and coaches navigate the challenges ahead and whether they can overcome the obstacles to achieve success in the league.
