Orlando City parts ways with head coach Jason Kreis

Orlando City has officially parted ways with head coach Jason Kreis, the team announced Friday.

"This is a very difficult decision to take, but sometimes in sports we must make tough decisions with the best future of the organization in mind," chief executive officer Alex Leitao said in a statement. "I have enormous respect for Jason and the work his team did in Orlando.

"He arrived in a difficult moment and is leaving with a legacy of respect and professionalism. Now is the time to look forward, keep our heads high and continue pushing toward the many goals we set this season."

In his place, Bobby Murphy will serve as interim coach as the franchise searches for a permanent replacement for Kreis.

Kreis' dismissal comes on the heels of Orlando City's sixth consecutive loss, a stretch in which the team has been outscored 17-5. Its hold on the Eastern Conference's final play-off spot has also weakened, as it sits even on points with the Chicago Fire and just one ahead of the Philadelphia Union.

The 45-year-old Kreis first took over in Orlando in July 2016, replacing Adrian Heath at the helm.