New Lights FC manager Eric Wynalda led a group of scouts in evaluating talent from soccer players who signed up to be a part of the team’s second ever Open Tryouts.
Over 400 players were split in two early sessions where they played 5 vs 5 with Wynalda, his assistant coach Auggie Rodriguez and World Cup veteran with the U.S. Men’s National team Paul Caligiuri, among other scouts observing the action. When they spotted a player with outstanding technique and ability, they would hand out a green wristband to him that meant they were selected to be a part of the second filter.
“The overall enthusiasm of the players who were at our tryouts proves that we really are a soccer city. I was really impressed by the youth movement that was here, we’ve been trying very diligently to find where these players are and I was very fortunate that they came to the tryouts because now I know who they are and how talented they can be. A lot of positives came out of the tryout”, Lights FC Manager Eric Wynalda said.
The size of the group trimmed down to 102 for the afternoon session, where each player was utilized in their preferred position during 11 vs 11 scrimmages. Lights FC coaching staff continued the selection process by narrowing the pool of players down to 50 to play in a final showcase match.
In the end, there are multiple players from the tryout that will be invited back to the Lights FC’s training camp in January to compete for a final roster spot.
“There is so much talent in Las Vegas, a lot of the players that we were impressed by today are under the age of 17. We have a great future, this just proves that this is a very alive and well soccer community, we got to see it here. As coaches, as a club, I’m very impressed”, Wynalda stated.
