After 50 games at the helm as Orlando City’s manager, Adrian Heath, and the front office has decided to mutually party ways. Orlando currently sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, the exact same spot they finished at the end of the 2015 MLS season.
Phil Rawlings explains the decision
“It is always a very difficult decision to part ways with a head coach and not one that the board of directors has taken lightly. It is even more difficult when that coach has been instrumental in the growth of the club since its inception over eight years ago," said Orlando City founder & president Phil Rawlins in the release. "Adrian has served this club with passion and enthusiasm. While our successes together are undoubtable, we believe the renewed energy this change will bring will be uplifting for the team. We feel that the time has come for us to move on with our future in MLS. We continue to remain very excited about the growth of our club.”
Heath only manager Orlando knows
Heath, 55, was the only manager that Orlando City has had in their six-year existence. He has been with the organization since the team was purchased in 2011. He helped lead the team from Austin to Orlando, where they were considered a powerhouse in USL. He made the jump to MLS with the team in their inaugural season in 2015. During his time with Orlando, he won three USL regular season crowns and two USL championships.
Majority Owner speaks
Flavio Augusto da Silva, Orlando’s club majority owner, had this to say about Heath; “This is a very difficult moment, but I fully support the decision made by the Board. I want to thank Adrian for the commitment and hard work he has given our team over the years and wish him success in his career."
2015 expansion clubs on to next manager
Both 2015 expansion clubs have now moved on from their original coach with Jason Kreis being let go at the end of the season for New York City FC. It shows that in MLS, it’s what have you done for me lately.
What’s next
Orlando City will be back in the spotlight this Friday night as they host the Houston Dynamo. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:0 pm ET and can be seen on UniMas.
