MLS side sack South African coach Carnell

South African coach Bradley Carnell has left his role as head coach of Major League Soccer side St Louis City, the club confirmed on Monday.

Carnell led the side to the Western Conference regular season title in their maiden MLS campaign in 2023 but has not been able to rediscover that form in 2024.

They currently sit in 12th in the 14-team Western Conference with three wins and 10 draws in their 20 matches so far.

“Given Bradley’s many contributions to the club, this was not an easy decision,” said Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel. “Unfortunately, based on our year two results to date, we believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club as we regroup and look to improve both our performance and our results.”

St. Louis CITY SC part ways with Bradley Carnell. Thanks for everything, coach.

— St Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) July 1, 2024

City president Diego Gigliani was also sorry to see Carnell go: “On behalf of everyone at CITY SC, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Bradley for his time with the club. He was integral to the club’s success during our historic first campaign.

“Bradley, Claudia and their family embraced St Louis and we wish them nothing but the best moving forward.”

Former Bafana Bafana international Carnell was previously assistant coach at Orlando Pirates and also had a brief spell as head coach of MLS side New York Red Bulls.