Eric Wynalda gets new coaching gig for Open Cup
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Feb 10, 2017
"The decision to return to coaching wasn't one
that I made quickly," said Wynalda, "so it was a matter of finding the right opportunity at the right time. L.A. Wolves FC is a club on the rise. It has the right kind of leadership at the top, and
creates nothing but opportunities for players looking to find a way to climb up the ladder. The club has all the hallmarks of future success, and with a shot to make a deep run in the Lamar Hunt U.S.
Open Cup in 2017, the trajectory for L.A. Wolves FC is through the roof right now. There's much to do, and believe me, the work has already begun."
Wynalda, who played for the USA at the
1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups, is currently a broadcaster for Fox Sports and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. He previously coached the NASL's Atlanta Silverbacks.
The Wolves went 16-0-0 to win
the UPSL's Western Conference. The USPL has five divisions with teams based in California, Nevada and Arizona.
They beat Inland Empire FC, 9-2, to advance to the Open Division's third
qualifying round. Former LA Galaxy and Chivas USA winger Paolo Cardozo scored four goals in the win.
In 2012, Cal FC beat the Portland Timbers, 1-0, in the fourth round of the Open Cup, becoming the first USASA team to beat an MLS team without needing penalty kicks.
Cal FC included mostly players from local Hispanic leagues. Goalkeeper Derby Carillo went on to play for El Salvador.
Great to see Wynalda coaching. I wish more retired players were coaching at every level.