Orlando City SC, general manager Paul McDonough mutually agree to part ways

Orlando, GM McDonough mutually agree to part ways

Paul McDonough Orlando City

Orlando City SC and general manager Paul McDonough have agreed to part company by mutual consent, the club announced Wednesday.


McDonough will formally leave the club following a brief transition period, during which time he will assist with the 2015 Re-Entry Draft and other player-related activities, according to a team release.


McDonough has been the club’s general manager since joining the Lions in 2014, putting together the team’s roster as it transitioned from USL to its first year in MLS this past season. Orlando appointed former Benfica academy director Armando Carneiro in November as chief soccer officer, a position formerly held by McDonough, after the club missed out on the MLS Cup Playoffs, finishing one spot out in the Eastern Conference after amassing a 12-14-8 record.


“I am sorry to see Paul leave us but fully understand his wishes to further his career within the game,” Orlando City president and founder Phil Rawlins said in the team release. “Paul has been with us for two years and has done a great job in helping the club build a very competitive MLS roster in our first year. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work on our behalf, and to wish Paul well with his future career.”



Following his departure, McDonough’s areas of responsibility, including recruitment, liaising with the leagues regarding player transactions and related duties, will be absorbed by the technical staff under the direction of Carneiro, according to the team.


“We are confident we have the proper technical team in place under Armando’s direction and expertise, and we look forward to a successful 2016 season across all three teams – Orlando City, Orlando Pride and Orlando City B,” Rawlins said.