Following the conclusion of their postseason play, the Vancouver Whitecaps have wasted no time in initiating changes. The organization announced on Monday that they have decided to part ways with head coach Vanni Sartini. The team is now on the lookout for a new coach as they head into the offseason.
Sartini has been associated with the Whitecaps organization since 2019, initially serving as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach in November 2021.
In a joint statement, Sartini and Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster expressed their mutual appreciation for each other.
“I deliberated on this decision extensively, and it was not made lightly,” stated Schuster. “We have made significant progress each year, and it is now the appropriate time for a fresh perspective to lead this team on the field with renewed energy.”
“I am forever grateful to Axel Schuster and the ownership for entrusting me with the technical leadership of this club during such a pivotal period,” added Sartini in the statement. “I will always hold dear the successes on the field, but what I will treasure most are the memories of my interactions with the fans, players, staff, and the community. Vancouver will always hold a special place in my heart.”
During his tenure, Sartini guided the team to two playoff berths in three years, but the Whitecaps never managed to progress beyond the first round. This trend persisted this season as Vancouver was eliminated by LAFC in the first round after a decisive Game 3.
Sartini also led the Whitecaps to three consecutive Canadian Championships, triumphing over other professional soccer teams from across Canada, including Toronto FC and CF Montréal.
Finishing in eighth place this season with a record of 13-8-13, Vancouver began the postseason strongly by defeating the Portland Timbers 5-0 in the wild-card round.
The victory was particularly noteworthy as it took place in Portland; despite being the higher seed, Vancouver was unable to host the game due to a scheduling conflict at BC Place, which was hosting a motocross event. Following the win, Timbers head coach Phil Neville jokingly remarked that the team’s good fortune indicated that “God is a Timbers fan,” to which Sartini responded post-game: “God may be a Timbers fan, but for me, God does not exist.”
(Sartini’s sharp wit has landed him in hot water previously: After a controversial call altered the course of last year’s playoffs, Sartini was handed a five-game suspension for jesting that he would be a suspect if the referee were to turn up dead.)
Sartini’s dismissal adds to the list of MLS coaches parting ways with their respective teams, even as the postseason unfolds. Earlier this month, Philadelphia Union let go of longtime head coach Jim Curtin after failing to secure a playoff spot, while Inter Miami’s Tata Martino departed due to personal reasons. Atlanta United also finds itself in need of a new head coach after parting ways with Gonzalo Pineda in June.