From Bayern to Los Angeles:Alexander Straus named as Angel City head coach

LOS ANGELES -- The global search for Angel City's new head coach has concluded with the appointment of Alexander Straus, who will officially join on June 1, 2025, after finishing his contract with FC Bayern München Women. Angel City, currently led by interim manager Sam Laity, is the only team to have started the regular season without a permanent head coach. 

Straus, renowned for his tactical expertise and championship-winning leadership, has over a decade of elite coaching experience across Europe, including back-to-back Bundesliga titles. The Norwegian manager is currently vying for a third with Bayern. Now, he will be responsible for guiding a team that finished 12th last season to sustained success. Angel City has only made the playoffs once since launching as a 2022 expansion team. 

 “When we set out to hire our head coach, we looked for specific characteristics such as a dominant style of play, a proven winner at the highest level, a focus on player development, a collaborative mindset, and a leader in high performance. Alex fits this profile at every measure. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to unite teams under a shared purpose, inspire players to grow and perform at their peak, and deliver results consistently," ACFC Sporting Director Mark Parsons said. "I’m truly confident Alex’s experience, commitment to team culture, and tactical intelligence will strengthen our foundation as we aim to bring championships to Los Angeles.”

ACFC CEO and Co-Founder Julie Uhrman added, “Our search for a head coach was comprehensive and intentional, ensuring we considered a diverse pool of exceptional candidates. Alex stood out for his winning track record, commitment to player development, and alignment with our club’s values. We are thrilled to welcome him to Angel City and are confident in his ability to lead our team into a championship-winning era.”