The Las Vegas Lights FC announced today that José Luis Sánchez Solá will be the first head coach in the team’s history.
Solá, commonly referred to as “Chelis,” coached Chivas USA of Major League Soccer in 2013, as well as Puebla FC in Liga MX in Mexico from 2006-10. He went 3-1-1 with Chivas USA before being let go and led Puebla FC to three playoff appearances in seven years with the club.
“I am extremely excited to build a spectacular team for a spectacular city,” Solá said. “I am grateful to Las Vegas Lights FC for the opportunity to excite this city with the most beautiful sport in the world.”
The Lights begin play in the United Soccer League in March. Players can sign as early as November but will likely wait until December or January. The transfer window for international players to sign doesn’t start until Jan. 1.
“We want everything about this club to represent Las Vegas, while also pushing the envelope and breaking the mold of professional soccer in America,” said Brett Lashbrook, owner and CEO of Lights FC.
“With his style and his overall approach, Chelís being our head coach is a natural and perfect fit. We want to play an attacking, flashy, exciting brand of soccer, and Chelís shares that same vision,” Lashbrook said. “He’s proven it — with success — at previous coaching stops and does it with a sense of style and flair that fits with our vibrant, electric city and community.”
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