CARSON, CA - Los Angeles Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton announced today that Afshin Ghotbi is joining the Galaxy as an assistant coach on the technical staff of Steve Sampson. Ghotbi joins current assistant coaches Martin Vasquez and Ignacio Hernandez.
"The Galaxy continues to explore all opportunities to provide our club with every advantage as we move forward," said Hamilton. "Afshin's specific expertise and on-field experience will provide our players with significant insight into our games and their performance."
"I think Afshin is a great addition to the Galaxy," said Sampson. "He brings a wealth of knowledge of the Southern California area and the American soccer player. He has worked in two World Cups, first with the USA in 1998 and then with Korea in 2002. The transition to MLS will be a very smooth one for him. I am deeply honored and privileged to have him as a member of my staff."
Ghotbi, 40, brings nearly 20 years of experience as a coach to the Galaxy sidelines, most recently as an assistant with the Samsung Bluewings in the K-League, South Korea's premier professional league.
Prior to his work with the Bluewings, the Rancho Santa Margarita resident served as an analyst for the Korea Republic national team in the run-up to and during FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002. The 2002 World Cup was not his first; Ghotbi also served as a member of now-Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson's technical staff for the USA at France '98.
He has also worked as Technical Director and Head Coach for the American Global Soccer School from 1998-2001. While at AGSS he was involved in developing the skills of players such as the Galaxy's Peter Vagenas and the U.S. national team's John O'Brien. Prior to that stint, he was a technical consultant to several clubs worldwide, including Ajax of Amsterdam and Willem II (Holland).
The Los Angeles Galaxy return to The Home Depot Center on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 pm against the San Jose Earthquakes. The first 10,000 fans 16 and under attending that match will receive a Galaxy soccer ball. For more information or to purchase tickets to that or any other remaining Galaxy home game this season, please call the Galaxy ticket office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
