Disappointing Angel City FC fire coach Alexander Straus

Field Level Media|published: Wed 17th June, 17:53 2026

Apr 3, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Angel City FC head coach Alexander Straus prior to a game against the Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Angel City FC fired coach Alexander Straus on Wednesday in the midst of a disappointing campaign.

The club is 1-6-1 over its last eight matches and sits in 12th place in the 16-team NWSL.

The slide began after Angels City (4-6-1, 13 points) won their first three games of the season.

Senior assistant coach Leif Gunnar Smerud, a 49-year-old coaching veteran from Norway, will serve as interim coach.

"Alex brought real energy and passion to Angel City, developing our style of play and overseeing the important development of our players," Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons said in a news release. "He guided one of the youngest rosters in NWSL history through a pivotal period of growth.

"We are deeply grateful for Alex's leadership and the progress made during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in his next chapter."

Strauss, 50, became Angel City coach on June 1, 2025, and led the team to a 3-9-4 record during the second half of last season.

The Norwegian had been coaching overseas since 2010 before agreeing to take the Angel City post.

Angel City also traded 19-year-old midfielder Kennedy Fuller to Bay FC on Wednesday for $520,000 in total funds.

Angel City's first game under Smerud will be July 3 against the visiting Orlando Pride. The league is currently on break for multiple reasons, including the men's World Cup being played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

--Field Level Media

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