Orlando City 'amicably' parts ways with head coach Adrian Heath

On the heels of a crushing 4-0 loss to FC Dallas, Orlando City announced Wednesday that longtime head coach Adrian Heath has been fired, the two sides "amicably" parting ways.

"It is always a very difficult decision to part ways with a head coach and not one that the board of directors has taken lightly. It is even more difficult when that coach has been instrumental in the growth of the Club since its inception over eight years ago. Adrian has served this Club with passion and enthusiasm," club president Phil Rawlins said in a statement.

Heath, who has been with the club since its inception - he coached the Austin Aztex in 2008 and made the move when the organization shifted to Orlando in 2011 - played an integral role in helping the Lions make the jump to Major League Soccer ahead of last season.

Along with the 55-year-old tactician, who won two USL Championships with the club, assistant head coach Mark Wilson also departs.

A permanent replacement has not yet been named. As the search is ongoing, assistant Bobby Murphy and Orlando City B assistant Anthony Pulis will assume head coaching responsibilities.

Heath compiled a 16-18-16 record during his one-plus season in MLS, with Orlando struggling in its second campaign. The club currently sits on 20 points, good enough only for seventh in the Eastern Conference.