Lights FC coach gets one-game suspension

Wynalda to miss LA Galaxy II match

Lights FC coach Eric Wynalda has been suspended for Thursday’s match against LA Galaxy II for his actions during a loss Saturday to OKC Energy FC.

Wynalda said he was ejected in the 1-0 United Soccer League loss that snapped the Lights’ undefeated home record. He said he was upset over a couple of early yellow card fouls and crossed the technical area after being warned, resulting in his ejection and an automatic onegame league suspension.

Assistant coach Auggie Rodriguez will coach the Lights (6-7-4) when they host Galaxy II (5-6-7) at 7:30 p.m. at Cashman Field.

Wynalda, whose club is tied with the Galaxy for 10th in the USL’S Western Conference, said the ejection came after he questioned several calls.

“When I tried to get my point across, I did step over the line, technical area,” he said. “I’d been warned, and I didn’t even realize I did it.

“Unfortunately, it was bad judgment on my end. I take responsibility for it, and I’m going to be suspended for the next game. That’s just standard procedure.”

Strikers Frank Lopez, with five goals, and Kai Koreniuk, with four, lead the LA attack. Goalkeeper Justin Vom Steeg has three shutouts, but he has allowed multiple goals in nine of the past 11 matches.

The Lights have added midfielder Vinnie Vermeer pending approval. Vermeer, a Netherlands native, is on loan from Nashville SC and is scheduled to be with the Lights for the rest of the season.

Defender Javan Torre and forward Jose Villarreal are both questionable with lower body injuries.

The Lights will sport denim jerseys to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the United States men’s team in the 1994 World Cup. Fans will be given 3D glasses to enhance the fireworks after the match.

Jonathan Eskin covers the Lights for the Las Vegas Reviewjournal. He can be reached at jeskin@reviewjournal.com