There's been a shakeup at the top of the LA Galaxy’s academy.
On Friday, the Galaxy announced Juan Carlos Ortega, who previously served as the technical-tactical coordinator for the Mexican Football Federation, was hired as the club's Director of Methodology and Development.
Ortega’s first order of business was to bring in Junior Gonzalez as the interim coach of LA Galaxy II as the club parted way with Mike Munoz, Laurent Courtois, Jamie Harvey and Andrew May.
Munoz coached Los Dos since 2017 and was the club’s academy director. The former midfielder joined the Galaxy’s Academy coaching staff in 2013.
“We believe Juan Carlos will be a great addition to this club and the LA Galaxy Academy,” LA Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese said in a statement. “Juan Carlos is knowledgeable and experienced, which shows in the success he has brought to the Mexican Football Federation and the prestigious clubs he has previously worked with. Juan Carlos also brings many important connections that he has cultivated throughout our region that will greatly support his work with the LA Galaxy.”
While with FMF, Ortega oversaw the youth national teams. Ortega won a U-17 World Cup with Mexico and qualified for U-17 World Cups (2015, 2017) and U-20 World Cups (2015, 2017, 2019). Ortega also served as the head coach for the Mexican U-15 Youth National Team.
Previously he spent six years as a Chivas de Guadalajara assistant coach from 2003-2009. He returned to Chivas in August 2013 as head coach before being appointed as the Director of Sporting Development for the club a few months later.
