Abbey Salam - July 23, 2025 11:53 AM

End of an Era: Vancouver FC Parts Ways with Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi, Martin Nash Steps In

VANCOUVER, BC – July 23, 2025 – In a significant mid-season shake-up, Vancouver FC announced today that it is parting ways with Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi, effective immediately. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 4-0 loss to playoff rivals York United on Saturday, a result that solidified Vancouver's position at the bottom of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) standings. Veteran Canadian soccer figure Martin Nash has been appointed interim head coach, signaling a new chapter for the fledgling club.

Afshin Ghotbi: The Inaugural Architect

Afshin Ghotbi's tenure with Vancouver FC marks a pivotal, albeit challenging, period in the club's nascent history. Hired as the club's first-ever head coach in 2022, Ghotbi enthusiastically embraced the monumental task of building a professional soccer team from the ground up in the Lower Mainland. His mission was clear: cultivate local talent, provide a pathway for young Canadian players, and forge a competitive identity for a brand-new franchise.

Ghotbi brought a wealth of international experience to Vancouver. His career spans decades and continents, including assistant coaching roles with the US Men's National Team (1997-1998, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup) and the South Korean National Team (2000-2002, 2005-2007, participating in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups). He also served as head coach for the Iranian National Team (2009-2011), leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2011 Asian Cup. At the club level, he achieved success by winning the Iranian Pro League with Persepolis FC in 2008 and served as part of the coaching staff for the LA Galaxy's 2005 MLS Cup victory. His diverse background and deep understanding of the game made him an intriguing choice to lead Vancouver FC.

However, the challenge of transforming potential into consistent results in the CPL proved formidable. Over two full seasons and 17 matches into the 2025 campaign, Ghotbi's record in league play stands at 16 wins, 18 draws, and 37 losses (16-18-37). Despite recent flashes of improved performances, the Eagles have struggled to convert effort into points, securing only one win in their last fifteen league matches. Home-field advantage has also been elusive, with their last victory at Willoughby Stadium dating back to August 2024, a narrow win over rivals Pacific FC. Vancouver FC currently sits in last place in the 2025 CPL standings with a 1-5-9 record (W-D-L), accumulating just 8 points from 15 games.

Despite these league struggles, Ghotbi's most significant achievement with Vancouver FC came in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship. Under his guidance, the Eagles embarked on an historic run, securing dramatic penalty shootout victories over BC rivals Pacific FC and Western foes Cavalry FC. These triumphs earned the club its first-ever berth in the tournament's semi-finals, where they are set to face league leaders Atlético Ottawa in a home-and-away series, with the first leg scheduled for August 13 at Willoughby Stadium. This cup run showcased the team's resilience and Ghotbi's ability to inspire in high-stakes situations.

Rob Friend, President and CEO of Vancouver FC, acknowledged Ghotbi's contributions, stating, "On behalf of everyone at Vancouver FC, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Afshin for the commitment he showed to our organization." This sentiment underscores the club's appreciation for Ghotbi's foundational work, even as the focus shifts to immediate results.

Martin Nash: A Familiar Face Returns to B.C.

Stepping into the interim role is Martin Nash, a name deeply embedded in Canadian soccer lore. Having grown up on Vancouver Island and beginning his playing career with the Vancouver 86ers in 1995, Nash returns to a familiar environment. He and his family have called Vancouver home since 2004, making his appointment a true homecoming.

Nash brings a blend of playing pedigree and coaching experience. As a player, he was a five-time all-league selection in the USL-1 and A-League, winning four league championships, including two with the Vancouver Whitecaps (2006, 2008). His playing career also included stints in England and with the Rochester Raging Rhinos, where he won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.

Before joining Vancouver FC, Nash served as head coach of York United, taking the reins in December 2021 after a successful stint as an assistant at Cavalry FC (2019-2021). During his time at York United, he compiled a league record of 22 wins, 13 draws, and 27 losses over two full seasons and six games into the 2024 campaign, a record that makes him York's most successful coach to date. He also guided York to a memorable Canadian Championship run in 2022, reaching the semifinals with dramatic penalty shootout victories before falling to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Rob Friend expressed optimism about Nash's appointment, stating, "We are pleased to appoint Martin to lead our group both as interim head coach and head of our academy. This is an opportunity to reset, refocus and align our organization from top to bottom as we aim to put in strong performances over the second half of the year. We look forward to building momentum and finishing the season on a high note." Nash's dual role, encompassing both the first team and the academy, highlights Vancouver FC's commitment to developing local talent and ensuring a cohesive pathway for future players.

An Analytical Viewpoint: The Pressures of Professional Soccer

The decision to part ways with Afshin Ghotbi, despite the Canadian Championship success, underscores the immediate pressures of professional club soccer. While Ghotbi's vision for developing a "football factory" and growing the game in the Lower Mainland was admirable and vital for a new club, the consistent lack of league results ultimately became untenable. The club's position at the bottom of the CPL standings, particularly after a run of only one win in fifteen matches, necessitated a change.

For Vancouver FC, this move is a clear attempt to "reset and refocus." The club, still in its early years, needs to establish a stronger competitive identity in the league. The appointment of Martin Nash, a local figure with a proven track record of developing players and achieving cup success, suggests a desire to blend local roots with a renewed push for results. His experience with York United, where he built a competitive side, offers hope for a similar turnaround in Vancouver. The fact that he will also head the academy program further emphasizes the club's commitment to its foundational values of nurturing young talent within the region.

From Ghotbi's perspective, this departure, while undoubtedly disappointing, offers an opportunity for a new challenge. His extensive resume and recent Canadian Championship semi-final appearance will likely make him an attractive prospect for other clubs seeking an experienced hand. He leaves Vancouver FC having laid important groundwork and achieved a historic cup run, even if league form did not match expectations.