
Galaxy assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi accepts position with Korean national team
September 29, 2005 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release
CARSON, CA (Thursday, September 29, 2005) - The Los Angeles Galaxy today announced that assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi is leaving the club to assume an assistant coach position with the Korea Republic national team. Ghotbi, a member of the Galaxy's technical staff since September 2, 2004, will be joining Korea head coach Dick Advocaat's technical staff along with assistant coaches Pim Verbeek and former Galaxy defender Hong Myung Bo.
"Afshin has been a valuable member of our coaching staff and we wish him and his family all the best moving forward as he looks forward to coaching in his third World Cup," said L.A. Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We expect that his unique technical expertise and on-field experience will once again provide Korea with considerable knowledge heading into the World Cup in Germany."
Ghotbi, 41, has almost 20 years of experience as a coach. Prior to joining the club last season, his first coaching stint in Major League Soccer, he held several positions worldwide. Immediately prior to joining Sampson's staff, he had served as an assistant with the Samsung Bluewings in the K-League, South Korea's premier professional league.
"Afshin has been an integral part of the Galaxy staff and its success to date. He will be greatly missed and is deserved of this opportunity to assist Dick Advocaat with the Korean national team," said L.A. Galaxy Head Coach Steve Sampson. "Any success that this team achieves beyond today will also include his efforts. I have greatly appreciated his incredible work ethic, loyalty and friendship, and I wish him nothing but the best."
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 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 will face off against the FC Dallas at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills on Saturday, October 1. The 7pm game, presented by Hormel Foods, will be the second in the same week, after the Galaxy defeated Dallas, 1-0, on Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final . For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Galaxy Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
Major League Soccer Stories from September 29, 2005
- This Week in the Community - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Galaxy assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi accepts position with Korean national team - LA Galaxy
- United for D.C. announces United Award Reception details - D.C. United
- Chivas USA's 'Noche de Niños' is a success - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Revolution to battle Earthquakes Saturday - New England Revolution
- Doubleheader set for Wednesday - Colorado Rapids
- Crew Assistant Coach Eduardo Carvacho And Radio Sol (1550-AM) Partner For Weekly Soccer Show - Columbus Crew SC
- D.C. United to host ability camp today - D.C. United
- FC Dallas random drawing to come to an end Friday - FC Dallas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent LA Galaxy Stories
- LA Galaxy Earn 2-0 Win over Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday Night
- LA Galaxy Fall to San Jose Earthquakes at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday Night
- LA Galaxy Play Host to San Jose Earthquakes at Dignity Health Sports Park Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28
- LIGA MX Matchup Between Club América and Club Deportivo Toluca Confirmed for 10th Edition of Campeón de Campeones at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, July 20
- LA Galaxy Fall 2-1 to San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday Afternoon

