Orlando City SC hires assistant coach Sean McAuley to join the technical staff of head coach James O’Connor.
"We are very pleased that Sean has joined us. His experience in Major League Soccer, coupled with his existing relationship with James, makes him the ideal candidate to complement our existing staff,” Orlando City SC General Manager Niki Budalic said. “We look forward to him joining us next week.”
McAuley, 46, most recently served as assistant coach for the Portland Timbers since 2012, where he helped guide the Timbers to the 2015 MLS Cup championship.
“I am delighted to join Orlando City SC and excited to work toward achieving success for the club and its supporters,” added McAuley. “I have known James for many years, first as a player and then as a coach. I know that he has tremendous passion for the club and excellent leadership qualities, and I’m looking forward to working with him again. I also look forward to getting to know everyone in the Orlando City family and hope my experience of winning an MLS Cup with my Portland colleagues will help build more success for Orlando City and its amazing supporters.”
Prior to joining the Timbers, McAuley was the academy manager at English side Sheffield Wednesday F.C. for seven years. Wednesday’s academy developed several players that went on to sign for the first team under his guidance. McAuley and O’Connor were both at Wednesday from 2008 to 2011.
Before becoming a coach, McAuley enjoyed a 15-year professional playing career. A Manchester United youth product, McAuley made his professional debut for St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. McAuley played 16 matches for the Timbers in 2002 while the club was in the minor leagues before retiring in 2005.
