Coach Eric Wynalda watches Lights FC practice at Cashman Field Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019.
Published Wednesday, June 17, 2020 | 5:35 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, June 17, 2020 | 6:05 p.m.
Eric Wynalda is out as coach of the Las Vegas Lights.
The surprise announcement came Wednesday and the team did not offer any explanation in a statement posted to social media.
When reached for comment, owner Brett Lashbrook declined to elaborate, but said the move did not have to do with financials or anything related to coronavirus. He also said that it came together quickly and that the team does not currently have an interim coach.
“Today’s timing is far from ideal. Was not planned or anticipated or wished for," Lashbrook said. "But when life deals you a hand you've got to play it, and we'll move quickly to make sure that we can find someone to fill the spot."
Wynalda coached one season with Las Vegas, guiding the Lights to an 11-15-8 record. He did not return a call seeking comment.
Wynalda posted a short message on Twitter — "Thank you @lvlightsfc - miss ya already.”
“Effective immediately, Eric Wynalda is no longer head coach of Las Vegas Lights FC,” Lashbrook said in his statement. “We continue to be hopeful that Lights FC will return to play later this season provided a safe environment can be assured for our players, fans and staff.”
This season was postponed after one game in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the news today came as the season was prepping for a return. The league announced earlier this month that a provisional start date to the season was set for July 11.
"There's always bumps in the road that you don't see coming, but I'm confident with the job that we're doing with Lights FC," Lashbrook said.
It also means the next coach will be the Lights’ third in three seasons. Mexican soccer figure Jose Luis Juan Sanchez Sola, better known as Chelis, coached the team’s inaugural season in 2018 before stepping down toward the end of the year. His son Isidro Sanchez coached the remainder of the first season. Wynalda was hired in October 2018.
