You may recall that when Las Vegas Lights FC launched Isidro Sanchez as head coach in 2018, he went on an undefeated first four-game winning streak and earned the inaugural USL Championship Coach of the Month Award. Well, in the months that followed, things didn’t go smoothly, but there was something about Lights FC.
Since then, Sanchez added a UEFA ‘A’ coaching license to his resume and worked in Spain while earning it. He’s on a small roster right now, but how Sanchez puts together a team that’s built from the ground up as effectively as it was five years ago will be key to whether Las Vegas can compete.
Monterey Bay FC – Where does defensive depth come from?
As Monterey Bay FC enters its second season, there’s a lot to be excited about. The club retained a solid core from its first campaign and brought in two excellent new pieces, defender Alex Lara and forward Alex Dixon. It looks like it’s filling in the pieces for Frank Yarrop’s offense.
On the other side of the field, however, it feels a little lighter. Lara’s addition as a third centre-back alongside veterans Kai Greene and Hugh Roberts is good, but lacks the depth the team has to deal with. center back and needing to cover both left and right backs for Moray Donner and Grant Robinson – will be important throughout the season.
New Mexico United – Can Santi More rebound to peak form?
2022 was the toughest full season Santi More has had in her USL Championship career. The Spanish winger’s total of six goals and assists is half of his all-time low scoring (his 12 goals in 2017 at Philadelphia Union II), and his 16 goals in 2021 make him his first in the Championship All-League. The team is far from his season.
After being re-acquired by New Mexico United on a transfer this off-season, Morer will be looking to return to his best form for the club after scoring 11 goals and five assists in the first season of 2019. Finding a good rhythm early in the preseason could set the stage for that to happen and the New Mexico offense to thrive overall.
Oakland Roots SC – Who is providing offensive firepower?
Unless Oakland make a move to re-sign forward Otter Magnus Carlsson for the new season, no player in the Roots SC squad in 2023 has scored five or more goals from Edgardo Lito a season ago. Finding the chemistry to close the gap left by Carlson and Juan Carlos Aczocal, who scored 10 goals for San Antonio FC, appears to be Noah Delgado’s biggest challenge this season.
There are several possibilities. Offensive playmaker Lind Mfeka and forward Darius Formera have both shown their abilities in previous USL Championship seasons. You may need more threats than you think you can use.
Orange County SC – Korede Osundina ready for close-ups?
