Atlanta United FC dropped a bombshell on Wednesday with the announcement that vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra has been ousted from his role effective immediately. Bocanegra, who has been a key figure in the club’s leadership since 2015, played a significant role in Atlanta’s early success in Major League Soccer (MLS), including securing the 2018 MLS Cup title. However, recent seasons have seen the team struggle, with a string of high-priced player acquisitions failing to meet expectations.
Team president and CEO Garth Lagerwey, known for his successful team-building experience with Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders, will now step into Bocanegra’s shoes. Lagerwey’s arrival at Atlanta United FC in 2022 signaled a potential shift in the club’s direction, and his appointment to Bocanegra’s former post solidifies that change.
While Bocanegra’s tenure at Atlanta United FC was marked by early triumphs and rapid growth, his later years were clouded by disappointing player performances and inconsistent results on the field. The arrival of high-profile players like Ezequiel Barco and Santiago Sosa, who failed to live up to their hefty price tags, underscored the challenges that Bocanegra faced in his role. Despite his contributions to the club’s initial success, the decision to part ways with Bocanegra reflects a need for fresh leadership and a new direction for the team.
With Garth Lagerwey now at the helm of Atlanta United FC’s leadership team, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges ahead. Lagerwey’s track record of success with other MLS clubs suggests that he may bring a new perspective and strategy to the club, with an eye toward revitalizing Atlanta’s on-field performance and overall competitiveness in the league. As the club looks to turn the page on this chapter in its history, the appointment of Lagerwey signals a new era for Atlanta United FC.