John Morrissey
Where we left off last year
2024 season: 50 points, 4th in the Western Conference
Most USL teams begin training camp in late January. Last year, fresh off the sale of the club to Jose Bautista, the Lights only began to sign players at that point.
Despite the truncated ramp-up period, Las Vegas exceeded all expectations under the reign of Bautista and manager Dennis Sanchez. Seemingly overnight, Las Vegas adopted a heady, patient style in possession that drove through Valentin Noel as a false No. 9 and all-USL JC Ngando as a play-driver in the pivot. In the end, Las Vegas earned a home playoff game and even beat stalwart Sacramento before it was all said and done.
A handful of clubs have upped their year-over-year points total more than the Lights in 2024, but none have done so while instituting a top-to-bottom culture change. Last year was the beginning of a major project in Sin City, on top of being a success in its own right.
John Morrissey
