March 12, 2021 (Las Vegas, NV) — Las Vegas Lights FC announced today that U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Steve Cherundolo is the new Lights FC head coach. In addition, the Club has entered into a new affiliation with Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club.
Cherundolo, 42 years old, is widely regarded as having had one of the most impressive European soccer careers of any American in history having played an unprecedented 16 straight seasons in Germany (all for Hannover 96). His national team career is equally impressive, having been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. At the 2010 World Cup, he played every single minute for the red, white & blue as it won its group and advanced to the knockout rounds. Since retiring, he has earned the prestigious UEFA “A-Level” coaching license and has served in recent years as an assistant coach for Germany’s under-15 national team, as well as an assistant for Hannover 96 and Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. In 2018, Cherundolo also briefly joined the U.S. national team staff for a European training camp and matches.
“Today is an exciting day for Lights FC. Coach Cherundolo is an amazing addition and LAFC is a world-class organization — we are very lucky to be working with both,” said Lights FC Owner & C.E.O. Brett Lashbrook. “To be clear, our expectations for Lights FC have not changed. We have the ability to continue to turn Las Vegas into a true ‘soccer city’ and today’s announcements without a doubt help accelerate our growth plan.”
LAFC’s inaugural Major League Soccer season was in 2018, the same year as Lights FC, and it has since quickly established itself as one of the premiment clubs in Major League Soccer. Led by former U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley, LAFC sent shockwaves around the North American soccer community just weeks ago when it advanced to the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League as only a three-year old club. Buoyed by one of the best fan bases in American sports, LAFC plays its home matches at Banc of California Stadium, a new 25,000-seat venue located adjacent to the historic L.A. Olympic Coliseum.
LAFC also currently features two Las Vegas natives on its rosters — Tristan Blackmon & Danny Musovski. Blackmon is a Bishop Gorman High School graduate selected #3 overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and recently called into the U.S. Men’s National Team Camp. Musovski is a graduate of both Liberty High School and UNLV where he finished his career in the Rebels’ record book for being in the top 5 all-time in career goals, assists and points.
The 2021 USL Championship season is expected to return around May 1st and will feature 31 clubs competing across four regionalized divisions.
Voted the “Best Sports Value” by Las Vegas Weekly, Lights FC season tickets are available starting at the low price of only $200. Additional information may be found at LightsFC.com.
Additional announcements regarding Las Vegas Lights FC’s player roster & 2021 USL Championship match schedule will be publicly announced in the weeks ahead.
About Las Vegas Lights FC:
Established in 2017, Lights FC brought professional soccer to the Entertainment Capital of the World. A member of the United Soccer League Championship, the second division professional league in the United States, Lights FC averages close to 8,000 fans per match playing in downtown Las Vegas at historic Cashman Field. Named by Sports Illustrated as the “Most Interesting Team in the World,” the Club is known for its unique match day experience and was recently voted “Best Sports Value” in Las Vegas. Additional information can be found at LightsFC.com.
About Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC):
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is the newest MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. The 2019 Supporter’s Shield Champion, LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing and developing the 22,000 seat Banc of California Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles.
CONTACT:
All Media Inquiries should be direct to: Communications@www.lasvegaslightsfc.com
