LAFC announced today that Enrique Duran will serve as the head coach of LAFC2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023. LAFC2 is one of seven MLS-affiliated clubs joining MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, when 28 clubs will compete in the league’s second season.
LAFC2 will play the majority of its home games at Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton. Fans will be able to stream LAFC2 matches through MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
LAFC2’s coaching staff, roster and schedule will be released at a later date.
“Enrique has incredible experience developing young players and has played a key role in working with so many of our talented prospects over the years,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “He was successful in his first season as a head coach in Las Vegas, and we look forward to his continued leadership with LAFC2 this season.”
Duran, 41, first joined LAFC in 2017 as the Director of Coaching and has since been instrumental in developing LAFC’s Academy training methodology and is responsible for the continued development of all Academy coaching staff.
Duran was named the head coach of the Las Vegas Lights, LAFC’s former USL affiliate on February 4, 2022. He led the Lights to the best season in their history, with the team finishing in 9th place with a 12-9-13 record (45 points), setting club records for wins and points. In 2021, Enrique served as an assistant coach in Las Vegas under current LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.
A native of Cataluña, Spain, Duran holds a UEFA ‘A’ License and brings extensive experience in youth player development from around the globe, having coached with FC Barcelona as part of FCBEscola from 2005-2011, serving as the U-10 and U-12 youth in Barcelona, as the Technical Director in Riyadh, Saudi Araba, and as the International Projects Coordinator in Europe and Asia.
Following his departure from FCBEscola, Duran joined Cryuff Football as the technical director for the Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. in South Africa from 2011 – 2015, then worked for Cruyff Football as a Project Manager from 2015-2017.
LAFC Academy product Christopher Jaime made history becoming the first player to sign an MLS NEXT Pro contract in 2022. Jaime joined the LAFC Academy in 2021 and played under a USL Academy Contract in 2022.
