D.C. United part ways with GM Ally Mackay

D.C. United parts ways with General Manager Ally Mackay after 2 seasons in his role. Photo Credit: Hannah Wagner/ D.C. United

On Tuesday afternoon D.C. United announced the dismissal of general manager Ally Mackay after two seasons in the role the club announced via an official statement.

“We would like to thank Ally for his work during his time with D.C. United and wish him every success in the future,” said club Co-Chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan.

Mackay oversaw overseeing all soccer operations including player acquisitions and recruitment. In their statement the club said that after a “comprehensive review” D.C. will look to move forward with a new approach in hiring a new general manager. A new hire will be announced in the future and will work along with head coach Rene Weiler, President of Business Operations Danita Johnson and club leadership.

The departure of Mackay comes after the firing of head coach Troy Lesesne in July halfway through his second season. D.C. currently sits in 14^th place in the Eastern Conference with a (5-15-10) record and where the first team in the Eastern Conference to be eliminated from playoff contention.

Mackay became the youngest active general manager in MLS when D.C. hired him in 2023 at 37-years old. Taking over for former GM Dave Kasper who had been with The Black-and-Red for over 20 years, who had been in that role since 2007. Prior to joining D.C. as GM, Mackay was the Assistant General Manager for Nashville SC where he had been in that role since the club’s inception to MLS in 2019. During his time as assistant general manager Nashville had made it to the playoffs in their first four years in the league and finished runners up in the 2023 Leagues Cup.

Mackay quickly began overhauling the roster and shedding large contracts from the previous season. At the end of the 2024 season, he cut 11 players, including all four goalkeepers.

United surrendered a 3^rd most 70 goals at the end of that season. D.C. did bring in some signings ahead of the 2025 season including the signings of goalkeepers Kim Joon Hong and Luis Barraza, Australian international Kye Rowles to address the defensive situation, along with Brazilian João Peglow, along with signing players through the reentry draft, trades, waivers and the Super draft.

United went through 11 game winless streak through the summer of 2025 and were eliminated from the 2025 U.S. Open Cup against Nashville. The team has surrendered 55 goals with four games remaining in the season and will miss out on the playoffs for the 6^th consecutive year in row, last making it to the post season in 2019.