Orlando City SC part ways with coach Oscar Pareja

Orlando City SC and head coach Oscar Pareja mutually have agreed to part ways, effective immediately, the team announced on Wednesday.

Hired on Dec. 4, 2019, Pareja posted a 103-72-66 record across all competitions and helped the club capture the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2022.

Orlando has limped out of the blocks this season, yielding an MLS-high 11 goals and losing all three matches. The team hosts CF Montreal (1-2-0, 3 points) on Saturday.

"I want to thank Oscar for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to our club," general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira said. "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."

"Oscar's impact on our club and community will always be remembered," said Mark Wilf, Orlando City SC owner and chairman. "He helped elevate Orlando City on and off the field, guided us through milestones that reshaped our trajectory and represented our crest with integrity. We are grateful for all he has given to the organization."

Pareja, 57, previously coached the Colorado Rapids (2012-14) and FC Dallas (2014-18) as well as Liga MX side Club Tiajuana (2018-19).

"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. "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."

Assistant coach Martin Perelman takes over as the interim head coach. He has served as Orlando City's first team assistant coach since 2024.

--Field Level Media