Eric Wynalda and Agustin Rodriguez love the players with underdog stories & backgrounds, that’s why over the 17 years that they’ve known each other they consider themselves as a match made in heaven.
After working together with Cal F.C., the L.A. Wolves and Cal United, now they’ll get the opportunity to be in the same team for the fourth time as Rodriguez becomes the first member of Wynalda’s Las Vegas Lights F.C. staff as an assistant coach.
A very well-known person in the soccer circles of Southern California, one of the United States hotbeds for the sport, “Auggie” has been coaching and developing players for close to 2 decades.
His ability to find and identify the talent that has been left behind in the system is one of the qualities that Rodriguez has and that made Eric Wynalda’s decision to appoint him as his assistant an easy one.
“For many years, ‘Auggie’ has been the go-to scout in Southern California. Not only do we see the game the same way, but we’ve already had a great experience working together over the years. I’m excited for him and I know that he’ll embrace this opportunity”, Wynalda said.
Rodriguez is excited to receive his second chance to be an assistant coach in the USL after doing so back in 2011 with the L.A. Blues (now the Orange County S.C.), and what a better place to receive another chance to do so than in the City of Lights, “If there’s a place to gamble, it’s in Vegas. I think we’re meant to do big things. I’m blessed and excited to do what I do for a living. I’m looking forward to making a statement in the Las Vegas environment”.
The tandem of Wynalda-Rodriguez will be on hand at Cashman Field when Lights F.C. Open Tryouts take place on Saturday, December 15th. Local talent will have the opportunity to impress the coaching staff with their skills and talent, hoping to join the team’s roster for the 2019 USL Championship. Registration is open at www.LightsFC.com/Tryouts
AGUSTIN RODRIGUEZ – EXPERIENCE
Head coach:
- L.A. Blues (PDL)
- California United (UPSL)
Assistant coach:
- L.A. Blues (USL Pro)
- California Baptist University (College)
- L.A. Wolves (UPSL)
Technical coach:
- LA Galaxy Academy U14 through U20 squads
