Steve Cherundolo tells German outlet he’ll be managing LAFC-led Las Vegas Lights

Reports have been swirling for weeks that LAFC will be assuming sporting operations of USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights for the 2021 season, and while neither club has officially confirmed any of that, more details emerge and the latest development makes it all seem like it’s pretty much set.

Last week, word broke that former U.S. Men’s National Team stalwart Steve Cherundolo will become the head coach of the LAFC-helmed Las Vegas Lights, per ESPN’s Taylor Twellman.

Since then, Cherundolo himself has confirmed the plan to German outlet Bild.

“I’m looking forward to the exciting new job. Especially working with the guys. And to be able to pass on what experience I have gained in my career as a player and coach,” Cherundolo told the German-language outlet in a story that ran on Tuesday. Cherundolo played his entire pro club career in Germany, for Hanover 96, and has been coaching in Germany since retiring, aside from a stint as USMNT assistant in 2018.

The Bild story confirms the reports that Las Vegas will train with LAFC during the week and then travel to Vegas or road destinations for games only. Some locals may find that an arrangement that may weaken local ties, which is fair enough, but for those outside of the region who think commuting from LA to Vegas is weird, I have a ton of Angelinos to show you who think nothing of driving to Vegas frequently, some even as much as weekly (in non-pandemic times).

So yes, we’re still waiting for everyone to actually confirm this stuff, but Cherundolo seemed to confirm the reports, which have been consistent from reputable sources, so we’ll see when they make it all official.

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