Marc Dos Santos no longer Whitecaps head coach - "Necessary to make a change"

The writing was on the wall after the Vancouver Whitecaps were eliminated from the Canadian Championship by Pacific FC. Less than 24 hours after the 'Caps fell 4-3 to the Canadian Premier League side, the Major League Soccer side announced that they had parted ways with head coach Marco Dos Santos and assistant coach Phillip Dos Santos. 

“We are very grateful to Marc and Phil for the hard work and sacrifice that they put in to lead our team over the past two and a half years,” Vancouver Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. “We are extremely committed to continue moving this club and team in the right direction, and at this time, we felt that it was necessary to make a change to achieve our next steps.”

Although the Whitecaps have started to push for the playoffs, staying undefeated in the last eight MLS games, the sense has always been that Dos Santos was under pressure to deliver results. Ahead of the game on Thursday, the 44-year-old told Transfermarkt that the Canadian Championship, which offers the only path to the Concacaf Champions League for Canadian MLS clubs, was a priority. Dos Santos then fielded his best possible XI against Pacific FC. Still, his side was outplayed, and the final result actually flattered the Whitecaps—for Dos Santos, it was the second time he was outplayed by a CPL team, in 2020 the 'Caps failed to get past Cavalry FC. 

Vanni Sartini interims coach - Former Whitecaps Pa-Modou Kah has impressed at Pacific FC 

Whitecaps have appointed director of methodology Vanni Sartini as the club's interim coach. Assistant coach Ricardo Clark and goalkeeper coach Youssef Dahha will also remain at the club for now. As for possible replacements? Pacific FC head coach Pa-Modou Kah has been scouted heavily by several MLS clubs and has a Whitecaps past. Sources, however, have told Transfermarkt that Kah has a long-term contract and would require a transfer fee.