Atlanta United parts ways with head coach Gonzalo Pineda

MLS’s first head coaching change in June has taken place.

Gonzalo Pineda is no longer the head coach of Atlanta United, the Eastern Conference club announced Monday. Pineda spent nearly three years as head coach of the Five Stripes after joining the Seattle Sounders in August 2021.

Pineda ranks as the longest-tenured Atlanta United head coach after posting a 38-40-29 record in all competitions. He helped the Five Stripes reach the MLS Cup playoffs in two of three seasons.

Assistant coach Rob Valentino will take over in the interim while goalkeeping coach Liam Curran will also remain with the club. Assistant coaches Diego de la Torre and Eugenio Villazon have left the club.

“We are grateful to Gonzalo for his commitment and dedication to the club over the past four seasons. He has been an exemplary ambassador for the organization and we would like to thank him for his contributions to the club,” Atlanta United CEO and President Garth Lagerwey said in a statement.

“We made this decision with the aim of taking the team in a new direction. As we continue to evaluate all aspects of our sports operations, Rob will have our full support in turning our season around in the second half.

This decision comes as Atlanta United occupies 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings with 16 points gained. They also played five consecutive home matches in the traditionally packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.