Juan Carlos Ortega appointed to lead LA Galaxy Academy

LOS ANGELES – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has hired Juan Carlos Ortega as the LA Galaxy Director of Methodology and Development.

Ortega joins the LA Galaxy after serving as the technical-tactical coordinator for the Mexican Football Federation and will oversee all LA Galaxy Academy decisions.

“We believe Juan Carlos will be a great addition to this club and the LA Galaxy Academy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “Juan Carlos is knowledgeable and experienced, which shows in the success he has brought to the Mexican Football Federation and the prestigious clubs he has previously worked with. Juan Carlos also brings many important connections that he has cultivated throughout our region that will greatly support his work with the LA Galaxy.”

Ortega has worked for the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) since 2009 in two roles, most recently serving as the tactical technical coordinator, where he oversaw the youth national teams. During his time with FMF, Ortega won a U-17 World Cup with Mexico and qualified for U-17 World Cups (2015, 2017) and U-20 World Cups (2015, 2017, 2019). Ortega also served as the head coach for the Mexican U-15 Youth National Team.

Prior to his time as the tactical technical coordinator for FMF, Ortega spent six years as an assistant coach at Chivas de Guadalajara from 2003 to 2009. He returned to Chivas in August 2013 as head coach before being appointed as the Director of Sporting Development for the club a few months later.

Born in Atotonilco el Alto, Mexico, Ortega played as a defender for various Mexican clubs during his time as a professional, including Tigres de la UANL, Club Léon, Correcaminos de la UAT and Club Deportivo Tapatio. He retired as a professional player in 2003 and began his work in front staff and technical staff positions soon after.

As part of his new role, Ortega has named Junior Gonzalez as interim Head Coach for LA Galaxy II. Subsequently, the LA Galaxy have parted ways with Mike Munoz, Laurent Courtois, Jamie Harvey and Andrew May.