The Vancouver Whitecaps have officially announced the departure of head coach Vanni Sartini, marking the end of his tenure with the Major League Soccer club. The decision was confirmed on Monday, signaling a new chapter for the team as they look towards the future.

During his time with the Whitecaps, Sartini led the team to a regular season record of 13 wins, 13 losses, and eight draws, ultimately finishing eighth in the competitive Western Conference. Despite a valiant effort in the playoffs, including a victory in a play-in game against the Portland Timbers, Vancouver fell short in a best-of-three series against Los Angeles F.C.

Sartini initially took over coaching duties on an interim basis in August 2021 following the dismissal of Marc Dos Santos. He was officially appointed as head coach in November of the same year, guiding the team through a challenging season with a record of 57-51-39 across all competitions.

In a statement addressing Sartini’s departure, Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster expressed gratitude for the coach’s dedication and passion, highlighting his contributions to the club. Schuster emphasized the need for a fresh perspective and new energy to lead the team on the pitch, signaling a desire for positive change and growth.