FC Dallas part ways with head coach Luchi Gonzalez

FC Dallas relieved head coach Luchi Gonzalez of his duties on Sunday.

Gonzalez had been in charge of the Texas club since December 2018, having been promoted from his academy director role.

The 41-year-old continued with youth development while in charge of the first team and played a huge hand in the emergence of stars now playing in Europe such as Reggie Cannon and Bryan Reynolds, as well as current prospects Ricardo Pepi and Justin Che.

But Gonzalez struggled to produce consistent results on the pitch with the constant sales of young players and a failure to get the best out of more senior talent hurting the Toros. During Gonzalez's two full seasons in charge, Dallas failed to finish higher than sixth in the Western Conference or make it past the conference semi-finals in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

He leaves this season with the club down in 11th in the West with just six wins from 26 games and a seven-point gap separating them from the playoff spots.

“We made the tough decision to part ways with Luchi after a great deal of thought and deliberation. We believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club at this time to help us achieve our goals,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt in an official press release. “I want to thank Luchi for everything he has done for this organization. We wish him all the best.”

Dallas will begin the search for a new head coach immediately, with director of soccer operations, Marco Ferruzzi, taking charge of the first team on an interim basis.

Assistant coach Mikey Varas has left alongside Gonzalez, though fellow assistant coach Peter Luccin, goalkeeping coach Drew Keeshan and director of scouting José de Jesús 'Chuy' Vera will all remain on Ferruzzi’s staff.

“Marco Ferruzzi has been with the organization since 2004 and was a member of the coaching staff during our most successful seasons, including 2016 when FC Dallas won the Supporters’ Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup,” Hunt added. “His experience and league insight will serve us well as we work towards competing for a playoff spot this season.”

Following a 3-2 loss to Texas rivals Houston Dynamo in their most recent match, Dallas face a key trip to Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday before hosting Western Conference leaders Sporting KC the following Wednesday.