FC Dallas will enter the 2019 MLS season with a new head coach after the club decided to part ways with Oscar Pareja on Monday. This decision comes after Pareja reportedly agreed to take over Liga MX’s Tijuana.
The news was confirmed on Dallas’ official Twitter profile.
Player.
Academy director.
Winningest head coach in the modern era of FC Dallas.Today, the team and Oscar Pareja have mutually agreed to part ways. #ThankYouPapi
📰 https://t.co/mpF7iWQNL3 pic.twitter.com/nff75Fm0n6
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) November 19, 2018
“This was a difficult decision for everyone involved, but after extensive discussions over the last few weeks, we believe the best course of action is for Oscar to pursue another opportunity,” – said FC Dallas Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. “Dan and I have tremendous respect and admiration for Oscar as a coach and as a person, and we sincerely appreciate his significant contributions to the club over the years. He will always be an important part of our FC Dallas family.”
Oscar Pareja spends a better part of his professional soccer career with FC Dallas, retiring with the franchise in 2005. He was immediately hired by the team as an assistant coach, a post he held until 2011. Pareja served as a head coach with Colorado Rapids from 2012 to 2014 before taking the same role with Dallas. He ended up leading the team to U.S. Open Cup title and the MLS Supporters’ Shield trophy in 2016.
“This was a difficult decision for me and my family. FC Dallas has been our home for many years, but we felt it would be best for us to seek a different challenge which enables me to keep growing as a coach,” – said Pareja in a statement. “This club and its players are heading on the right path and I have no doubt they will get there.“
“I would like to thank the Hunt family, Clark, and Dan, for their support throughout my time here. The memories I have made with this club will stay with me and my family for a lifetime.” – he added.
