Angel City FC has let go of head coach Alexander Straus, the club announced Wednesday, as the team struggles through a difficult stretch of the season.
The team’s recent form tells the story: just one win, six losses, and one draw over its last eight outings, leaving Angel City in 12th place among the 16 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The downturn is a stark contrast to how the season began. Angel City opened with three straight victories before things unraveled, leaving the club with an overall record of 4-6-1 and 13 points.
Taking over on an interim basis is senior assistant coach Leif Gunnar Smerud, a 49-year-old Norwegian coaching veteran who will guide the team through the rest of the season.
Club sporting director Mark Parsons issued a statement reflecting on Straus’s time with the organization. “Alex brought real energy and passion to Angel City, developing our style of play and overseeing the important development of our players,” Parsons said. “He guided one of the youngest rosters in NWSL history through a pivotal period of growth.”
Parsons added, “We are deeply grateful for Alex’s leadership and the progress made during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
Straus, 50, had taken over as Angel City’s head coach on June 1, 2025, finishing out last season with a 3-9-4 record in the second half of the campaign. Prior to joining the club, the Norwegian coach had spent his career working overseas since 2010.
In addition to the coaching change, Angel City made a roster move Wednesday, trading 19-year-old midfielder Kennedy Fuller to Bay FC in exchange for $520,000 in total funds.
The team’s next match won’t come immediately, as the league is currently on a break for several reasons, including the men’s World Cup being played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Smerud’s first game in charge is scheduled for July 3 when the Orlando Pride come to town.
