Schmid steps down as Galaxy head coach, Kinnear takes over as interim

Sigi Schmid has resigned as head coach of the ailing LA Galaxy, the club announced Monday.

Assistant Dominic Kinnear will take over on an interim basis.

Schmid leaves the Galaxy in eighth place in the Western Conference, three points off a playoff spot and without a win in six matches.

Kinnear has previous head coaching experience with the Houston Dynamo (2006-14) and San Jose Earthquakes (2015-17).

"I have coached at various levels of soccer in the United States over 35 years, where I have dedicated myself to furthering the sport in our country. After careful consideration, I have decided to step away from coaching at this time, but would like to remain in the game," Schmid said in a statement.

"With six games remaining as the club fights for a playoff spot, I understand the timing of this decision is unfortunate. However, I believe this group can come together and fight for a spot this season under Dom's guidance."

The Galaxy allowed 54 goals through 38 matches this season, squandering leads on several occasions and negating an otherwise prolific attack. Only Orlando City have conceded more often in 2018.

Schmid used different formations to try to stop the bleeding, including a 3-4-1-2 schematic that brought a nine-match unbeaten streak in June and July.

However, with veteran center-back Michael Ciani struggling and David Romney asked to play out of position, the goals were difficult to keep out.

Schmid's final match in charge was a 6-2 defeat to Real Salt Lake on Sept. 1. He posted a 12-18-12 record during his second stint with the Galaxy. He won the 2002 MLS Cup in his first go-around with the club.