Name a better way to kick off a new era of Dallas Trinity FC than by bringing in a name just as big to lead the club forward. Dallas Trinity FC has announced its new head coach: former USMNT player Lee Nguyen.
The former Indiana Hoosier enjoyed a 15-year playing career that spanned from the United States to Vietnam before transitioning into coaching as an assistant in 2021. Now, he’s making his way to one of only two teams in the Gainbridge Super League to reach the playoffs in each of its first two seasons, with the goal of helping Dallas Trinity FC go all the way.
Whether you already know Lee’s legacy or you’re hearing his name for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about Dallas Trinity FC’s new gaffer.
‘Even Bigger Than Lionel Messi’, Lee’s Playing Career That Put Him on the Map
That quote isn’t mine. It came from Goal.com in September 2025, and there was a reason they made that claim. But before we get to the end of the story, let’s start at the beginning.
Born in the very city he’s now set to lead, Lee Nguyen grew up in Dallas, graduated from Plano East Senior High School, and came through the Dallas Texans academy. In 2005, he was named the National Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year before spending one standout season at Indiana, where he earned National Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and First Team All-Big Ten honors.
After a stellar showing at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, Lee began his professional career with PSV Eindhoven, becoming the first player of Vietnamese descent to appear in a top-flight European league. A spell with Randers FC in Denmark followed, but his big calling finally came calling.
Although born in Texas, Lee became a superstar in Vietnam after being lured away from Europe to join Hoàng Anh Gia Lai in the V.League 1. In just two seasons, he developed a level of popularity few players in the world have ever experienced.
“The status that I have here is awesome and kind of fun. Here, it’s not just one city. The whole country knows who I am.”
Lee returned to the United States in 2012 and cemented his MLS legacy with the 6-years he spent with the New England Revolution. Most memorably, he led the club to MLS Cup 2014, finished as an MLS MVP finalist after recording 18 goals and five assists in 32 regular-season matches, and later suited up for LAFC and Inter Miami CF. Across 256 MLS regular-season appearances, he totaled 224 starts, 55 goals and 59 assists before returning to New England in 2020.
His playing career came full circle in Vietnam. After joining Ho Chi Minh City FC, retiring, becoming an assistant coach with the Washington Spirit, and briefly returning to Ho Chi Minh before retiring for good, Lee turned his full attention to coaching.
His playing career was a movie by all accounts, filled with success and stardom in ways one could only script. Despite being born in Dallas and representing the United States, he was beloved by more than just the MLS clubs and country he played for.
The Climb to the Top, Lee Nguyen’s Rise Up the Coaching Ranks
In 2021, Lee joined Kris Ward’s coaching staff at the NWSL’s Washington Spirit before returning to the club in February 2022. Despite his relatively short stint, he helped the Spirit win the 2021 NWSL Championship and finish as runners-up in the NWSL Challenge Cup. He then continued climbing the coaching ranks with the Kansas City Current in 2023, Angel City FC in 2024, and Seattle Reign FC this season, serving in similar assistant coaching roles.
Wherever Lee Nguyen went, glowing reviews followed.
“He was an incredibly important part of our championship run, and I know the group is excited to have him return,” said Kris Ward.
And it wasn’t just his tactical mind that stood out.
“He’s very level-headed,” said Becki Tweed. “When you have a conversation with him one on one, he doesn’t come across as the stereotype of a successful athlete. He’s driven by zero ego. You would never know about his career. He doesn’t speak about it.”
Now, at Dallas Trinity FC, Lee is taking on a new challenge, one with more responsibility and one he’s ready to embrace.
“Coming home to North Texas to lead Dallas Trinity FC is an incredible opportunity,” Lee Nguyen said in the club’s official press release. “This club has already established a strong foundation, and I’m excited to work with our players, staff and supporters as we continue building something special. Dallas has always been part of who I am, and it’s an honor to help shape the future of this club and continue growing the women’s game in this community.”
Dallas Trinity FC is gearing up for the 2026 Fall Season, which kicks off in August, and now has the pieces in place to build a team capable of competing for silverware. There are still roster spots to fill in the coming days, but one thing is already clear: the new era of Dallas Trinity FC has officially begun!
