LAFC have established a USL affiliate partnership with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights FC for the 2021 season, it was announced Friday.
The Lights will be coached by former US men’s national team defender Steve Cherundolo, who was most recently an assistant coach for Germany’s U-15 national team. Cherundolo has also served as an assistant coach for Hannover 96 and Stuttgart in the Bundesliga after his overseas playing career concluded.
“Establishing an affiliation with a team in the USL is the next step in our evolution as a club,” LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington said in a release. “We are extremely excited to work with Brett Lashbrook and the Lights on this partnership. The USL Championship is an incredibly competitive and successful league that continues to grow and we are happy to be involved with it.”
During his 16-year playing career, Cherunholdo served as team captain and appeared in 423 games across all competitions for Hannover. He played 87 times for the USMNT and started during the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.
“I am extremely excited and proud to be joining the LAFC and Lights FC families,” Cherundolo said in a release. “My experiences as a coach and player over the past 22 years in Germany and with the US men’s national team have provided me with the necessary tools to help further this fascinating endeavor. Helping players and teams maximize their potential is a process I take great pride and joy in, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Las Vegas launched a USL expansion team in 2018. Lights FC were previously led by former MLS forward Eric Wynalda and former San Jose Earthquakes manager Frank Yallop at various points.
With the affiliate partnership, LAFC players should be able to get more playing time. Cherundolo is expected to work closely with LAFC, helping the 2019 Supporters’ Shield champions continue to evolve.
