Las Vegas Lights fans celebrate as time runs out for the Tacoma Defiance during the Lights FC home opener at Cashman Field Saturday June 5, 2021. The Lights shut out the Defiance 2-0.
Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 | 1:12 p.m.
New owner. New head coach.
The Las Vegas Lights will be coached in the upcoming United Soccer League season by Dennis Sanchez, who last season was an assistant with Austin FC II of MLS Next Pro.
“Throughout the interview process, we found Dennis to be someone who aligned with the values we want to establish for this club,” said José Bautista, the six-time MLB all-star who purchased the club earlier this month, in a statement. “His communication skills and ethos as a coach made him the best candidate to lead the club forward on the field as we create a new culture and identity for professional soccer in Las Vegas.”
Sanchez is the seventh head coach in the franchise’s seven-year history. He replaces Isidro Sánchez, who posted a 4-22-10 record last season.
Sanchez previously coached in the United Soccer League with Sacramento Republic FC and the Charleston Battery — two of the league’s most successful franchises.
He was an assistant with the Battery, where he is credited with developing one of the league’s notable players in Fidel Barajas. Barajas was named the league’s Young Player of the Year before his transfer to Real Salt Lake for a club-record fee, Lights officials said in a news release.
Sanchez also worked four seasons as the general manager of the Columbus Crew’s development academy. Many of the Lights’ players are younger, meaning Sanchez’s eye for development will be paramount.
“José’s vision for the success of this club is clear and has resonated strongly with me,” Sanchez said in a statement. “I have full belief that under his leadership, we will attract the best players, foster a winning culture and consistently compete for championships.”
A new season begins in early March.
