Orlando City Parts Ways with Coach Oscar Pareja

Mutual decision comes after poor start to 2026 MLS season

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Orlando City SC and head coach Oscar Pareja have mutually agreed to part ways after just three games of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, following a 5-0 defeat to New York City FC. Pareja's six-season tenure was largely successful, guiding the team to the playoffs in each year, but the rapid downturn at the start of this campaign proved to be the tipping point.

Why it matters

Pareja's dismissal highlights the increasing pressure on MLS coaches to deliver immediate results, as the league becomes more competitive. Finding stability on the sidelines remains a challenge for many teams as they seek coaches who can build long-term projects.

The details

Despite Pareja's previous success, which included a club-record six consecutive playoff appearances and an Open Cup title in 2022, three straight losses to open the 2026 season, capped by the 5-0 defeat to NYCFC, led to the mutual parting of ways. Assistant coach Martín Perelman will serve as interim head coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

  • Pareja was Orlando City's head coach for six seasons, from 2020 to 2025.
  • The decision to part ways with Pareja came on March 11, 2026, after just three games of the new MLS season.

The players

Oscar Pareja

Former head coach of Orlando City SC, who had a successful six-year tenure with the club.

Martín Perelman

Assistant coach who will serve as interim head coach for Orlando City while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

Ricardo Moreira

Orlando City's General Manager and Director of Sport, who acknowledged Pareja's contributions in establishing a competitive foundation for the club.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.