Photo Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
Angel City FC has officially announced the departure of head coach Alex Straus, effective immediately. In his stead, senior assistant coach Leif Gunnar Smerud will serve as the interim head coach while the club embarks on a search for a permanent replacement.
Currently, Angel City finds itself in 12th place within the 16-team National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) standings. The team has recorded four victories, one draw, and six losses thus far this season.
The announcement emphasized the club’s commitment to fostering a competitive environment that prioritizes player development and success. “The focus remains on supporting its players, competing at the highest level, and building a high-performance environment,” the club stated.
Straus took charge of Angel City in April 2025, bringing a wealth of coaching experience from Europe. Prior to his time in the NWSL, he achieved notable success with Bayern Munich Women, leading them to consecutive Frauen-Bundesliga titles after earlier winning the league with Sandviken/Brann in Norway.
Angel City Sporting Director Mark Parsons praised Straus for his passion and contributions to the club. “Alex brought real energy and passion to Angel City, developing our style of play and overseeing the important development of our players,” Parsons explained. He further acknowledged Straus’s role in guiding a young roster through a critical phase of growth, expressing gratitude for his leadership and the progress made during his tenure.
The decision to part ways with Straus comes amid a challenging season for Angel City, as they aim to revitalize their performance and climb up the league standings. Fans will be eager to see how the interim management under Smerud impacts the team’s dynamics in the weeks to come.
As the club initiates its search for a new head coach, speculation surrounds potential candidates who can reignite the team’s competitive spirit and enhance their performance on the pitch. With a commitment to excellence embedded in their ethos, Angel City FC remains focused on turning around their season and achieving their goals in the vibrant landscape of women’s football.
