2018 Las Vegas Lights FC season explained

The 2018 Las Vegas Lights FC season was the club's inaugural season, and their first season in the United Soccer League, the second division of American soccer. The Lights played their home matches at Cashman Field, north of Downtown Las Vegas.

The Lights' first season began on March 17 against fellow expansion side Fresno FC at Chukchansi Park with a 3–2 victory.

Background

In April 2017, Brett Lashbrook, former COO of Orlando City SC, received preliminary approval for a USL expansion franchise in Las Vegas and thus began negotiations with Las Vegas city officials over a lease agreement to allow his franchise to play their home games at Cashman Field north of Downtown Las Vegas.^[1] After three months of negotiations, the Las Vegas City Council unanimously approved a 15-year lease between Lashbrook and the city to play their home games at Cashman Field that was to begin on January 1, 2018. As part of the lease, the Las Vegas 51s minor league baseball club would remain the venue's primary tenant and would receive priority on scheduling, however, if the 51s were to move from Cashman Field, the city and Lashbrook would look to convert Cashman Field into a modern soccer specific stadium as part of a redevelopment of the area.^[2]

In August 2017, Lashbrook, alongside Nevada governor Brian Sandoval, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman, and USL officials, officially announced Las Vegas as the 33rd member of the USL at a fan festival at Zappos headquarters in downtown Las Vegas. During the presentation, Lashbrook announced six potential names (Viva Vegas, Las Vegas Silver, Las Vegas FC, Las Vegas Lights, Las Vegas Action, and Club Vegas) for the franchise, with the official name for the club being chosen through a fan vote.^[3] Shortly after midnight on August 29, 2017, Las Vegas Lights FC, a combination of the two most popular names during the fan vote (Las Vegas Lights and Las Vegas FC), was announced as the team's official name during a presentation at the Fremont Street Experience. Following the announcement, Lights officials asked the public to submit designs, ideas, and colors to help the team create its inaugural logo.^[4] On October 30, 2017, the Lights released their inaugural crest which resembled the outline of the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign – rotated 90 degrees and included the official team colors of blue, yellow, and pink. The colors, which were originally used on the placeholder logo presented when the team was first announced, were adopted officially after many of the fan submissions for logos incorporated the three colors.^[5]

On November 13, 2017, Fútbol Picante analyst José Luis Sánchez Solá was announced as the club's first head coach. El Chelís, as he was commonly referred, had managed numerous clubs in the first and second divisions of Mexico and the United States, including stints with Puebla F.C., Estudiantes Tecos, and Chivas USA, prior to taking over the position with Lights FC.^[6] In December 2017, the club expanded its partnership with Zappos.com by announcing a three-year deal for the online retailer to be the club's jersey sponsor^[7] and announced BLK as the club's jersey supplier in a multi-year deal in January 2018.^[8]

Summary

Preseason

On November 27, 2017, Lights FC announced three preseason friendlies against MLS sides at Cashman Field, as part of their preparations for their first campaign in the USL. The matches were to be on February 10 against the Montreal Impact, February 17 against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and February 24 against D.C. United.^[9]

In their first preseason friendly, Lights FC fell to Montreal 2–0 in front of a sell-out crowd of 10,387, after a goal from Impact forward Michael Salazar and an own goal by Lights FC defender Joel Huiqui in a matter of three minutes in the second half.^[10] Lights FC would fare better in their second preseason game, although they would still lose to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–2, with Lights FC scoring their first goals of the year through a brace from midfielder Juan José Calderón.^[11] Seven days later, in their last home fixture of the preseason, Lights FC would see another good offensive effort with a goal from defender Miguel Garduño and another goal from Calderón, his third of the postseason; however, Lights FC would fall for the third time during the preseason, losing 4–2 to DC United.^[12] Lights FC would get their first result in their final preseason game, after the club drew 1–1 away to Orange County FC through a 77th-minute goal from forward Anuar Kanan.^[13]

March–May

Just prior to Lights FC's season opener, the club announced that head coach Chelís had been promoted to Technical Director for the club, with his son Isidro Sánchez Macip, who had been an assistant for Lights FC under his father, promoted to head coach.^[14] Lights FC began the 2018 USL season on March 17 with an away fixture against Fresno FC, which Lights FC won 3–2. Las Vegas native Matt Thomas opened the scoring within two minutes of the kick-off, while midfielder Alex Mendoza and defender Joel Huiqui added goals within seven minutes of each other in the second half. Despite late goals by Fresno forwards Jemal Johnson and Renato Bustamante, Lights FC was able to hold on for the first victory in club history.^[15] Thomas' performance against Fresno FC would lead him to being named to the USL Team of the Week for the first week of the season.^[16] The following week, Lights FC would host in-state rival Reno 1868 FC in the first match of the Silver State Cup, ending in a 1–1 draw. Mendoza would open the scoring in the 27th minute with a shot from outside of the box following a failed clearance, but was answered within a minute by Reno forward and UNLV alum Danny Musovski, who slotted home a rebound. Reno would be down to 10-men, following a second yellow card to Musovski lead to his dismissal in the 72nd minute, despite mounting pressure by Lights FC, including a fingertip save by goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski from a header from midfielder Juan Carlos García in the 95th minute, to preserve the draw.^[17]

On March 31, Lights FC completed their first come from behind victory with a 2–1 home victory against defending Western Conference champions Swope Park Rangers. Swope Park would open the scoring with an 18th-minute goal from midfielder Rodrigo Saravia. Lights FC midfielder Carlos Alvarez would tie the match with a strike in the 53rd minute and a misplaced headed back pass from Swope Park defender Colton Storm helped Lights FC secure their first home victory of the season.^[18] Lights FC defender Joel Huqui's performance against Swope Park, which included three interceptions and seven clearances, led to his selection to the USL Team of the Week^[19] and the club's performance in the month of March led to head coach Isidro Sánchez Macip, led to his selection as the USL's Coach of the Month for March.^[20] Following a bye week, Lights FC returned to action on April 14, drawing 1–1 with Sacramento Republic FC at Cashman Field. Defender Joel Huiqui would open the scoring two minutes into the match, but Sacramento forward Christian Eissele equalized before the hour mark and Lights FC extended their undefeated streak to four matches.^[21]

Following another bye week, Lights FC suffered their first loss of the season, dropping a 3–1 decision at home to San Antonio FC. San Antonio received first half goals from forward Éver Guzmán and midfielder José Escalante in the 17th and 33rd minute respectively. San Antonio would add a third when midfielder Rafael Castillo converted a penalty in the 51st minute and, despite Carlos Alvarez' 75th-minute goal, a red card to defender Christian Torres limited Lights FC's chances of closing the gap with San Antonio.^[22] Three days later, Lights FC would participate in their first road game since the season opener when they traveled to play Western Conference leader Real Monarchs SLC. Despite playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes, after defender Marcelo Alatorre was sent off for a dangerous foul in the 18th minute, Lights FC was able to produce numerous scoring chances, including an 84th-minute strike by midfielder Daigo Kobayashi that crashed off of the post. Lights FC were able to hold of the Conference leaders and ended with a 0–0 draw, the first shutout for Lights FC goalkeeper Ricardo Ferriño.^[23]

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

See main article: 2018 U.S. Open Cup.

Lights FC entered the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the second round, defeating Premier Development League side FC Tucson, 4–2 on May 16. The match, which was played at Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Field on UNLV's campus, was the first that Lights FC hosted away from Cashman Field, as the baseball field would not be converted to a soccer pitch in time following a Las Vegas 51s home stand. Lights FC would jump out to an early lead as midfielder Carlos Alvarez and defender Alatorre scored within the first ten minutes of the match. Forward Jason Romero would put FC Tucson on the board with a goal in the 38th minute and three minutes after the restart, midfielder Adrian Valenzuela tied the score at 2–2. Lights forward Sammy Ochoa would net his first two goals of the year with goals in the 56th and 65th minute to help Lights FC advance to the third round.^[24]

In the third round of the tournament, Lights FC were knocked out by PDL side FC Golden State Force in an away fixture, 2–1, on May 23. After a stalemate in the first half, FC Golden State Force's Allisson Faramilio opened the scoring a quarter of an hour from full time with a shot from outside of the box. Although defender Joel Huiqui would net the equalizer with a header off of a corner kick in the 81st minute, Faramilio would secure the victory and advancement in the competition for FC Golden State after converting a penalty shot in stoppage time.^[25]

June–August

On June 2, Lights FC won their first regular season game since March 31, defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 4–1. Carlos Alvarez opened the scoring with a strike in the 24th minute, while midfielder Freddy Adu and forward Sammy Ochoa scored their first league goals of the season with strikes in the 47th and 58th minute, respectively. Colorado Springs defender Josh Suggs would pull a goal back for Switchbacks FC, but midfielder Matt Thomas would secure the 3 points for Lights FC with a goal in stoppage time to snap the club's seven match winless streak.^[26] After an 11-day layoff, Lights FC made their first visit to regional rival Phoenix Rising FC, losing 4–0 to the hosts. Phoenix would receive goals from defender Joe Farrell and forward Solomon Asante, as well as a brace from forward Jason Johnson to send Lights FC to their fourth league loss in five matches.^[27] Following the match against Phoenix, an altercation took place between a fan and Technical Director Chelís. The altercation began when the fan yelled something profane at Chelís and he responded by going up to the fan, placing a hand on the fan, and asking him to repeat what he said. Two days after the incident, the USL suspended Chelís for eight games.^[28]

Lights FC would return to action three days later hosting Seattle Sounders FC 2, seeing several changes in the lineup including goalkeeper and Las Vegas native Angel Alvarez' debut for the club. Lights FC would ride an offensive outburst in the first half with a brace from Sammy Ochoa and a third goal from Joel Huiqui to take a 3–1 lead into halftime and would add a fourth with a goal from newly acquired midfielder Zach Mathers, as Lights FC won their second straight home match 4–1.^[29] Lights FC's next match would be away to Swope Park Rangers, losing to the hosts 3–2. Lights FC would receive goals from midfielder Daigo Kobayashi and forward Sammy Ochoa and had a chance to get an equalizer from a penalty late into stoppage time, but failed to convert when midfielder Carlos Alvarez passed the spot kick to a charging Ochoa in a designed trick play instead of shooting the penalty. Ochoa's shot would ring off the post with Rangers able to clear the ball for the final whistle.^[30] Lights FC would continue their Midwestern swing with a match away to Tulsa Roughnecks FC, drawing 2–2 to extend their road winless streak to six matches. Tulsa would score first after midfielder Joaquin Rivas converted a penalty minutes into the match, while Lights FC would receive goals from midfielders Raúl Mendiola and Daigo Kobayashi. Lights FC had a chance to extend the lead, but forward Sammy Ochoa launched a penalty kick over the crossbar in the 62nd minute and defender Josh Morton would score the equalizer for the hosts a minute after Ochoa's miss.^[31]

Lights FC would open their first match of the month of July at home against Saint Louis FC. Lights FC were able to extend their home winning streak to three matches through a goal from midfielder Raúl Mendiola shortly into the second half, his second consecutive match with a goal, and goalkeeper Ricardo Ferriño recorded his second shutout of the season, as Lights FC won 1–0.^[32] After a one assist, four tackle, and two interception performance against Saint Louis FC, on loan defender Nico Samayoa would be named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 17.^[33] Lights FC would begin a four match road trip with a match against OKC Energy FC on July 11. Despite the first hat trick in club history coming from Mendiola and another goal from midfielder Carlos Alvarez, Lights FC would extend their road winless streak to seven matches, as the fell to Energy FC 6–4.^[34] Lights FC's struggles would continue on the road, dropping a 2–0 result away to Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Goals from Toros' defender Conor Donovan and forward Jesús Enríquez extended Lights FC's road winless streak to eight matches.^[35] Eight days later, Lights FC would travel to Portland to take on Timbers 2. After a goalless first half, forward Sammy Ochoa netted his fifth goal of the season in 53rd minute. Timbers 2 midfielder Jack Barmby was able to level the match with a goal in 63rd minute, however, forward Omar Salgado would score his first goal of the season in the 74th minute, securing Lights FC's first road victory since March 17, ending an eight match road winless streak.^[36] Lights FC would end their longest road trip on July 26 against Seattle Sounders FC 2. The Lights would fall behind early to Sounders 2 after midfielder Antonee Burke-Gilroy scored in the second minute of the game and were hampered more so after defender Marcelo Alatorre received his second yellow of the match in the 45th minute and midfielder Carlos Alvarez received a straight red card two minutes later, leaving Lights FC down to 9 men with a full half to play. Sounders 2 would capitalize on their two-man advantage, getting a penalty kick goal from forward David Estrada and a goal from former UNLV forward Lamar Neagle to lead to a 3–0 loss for Lights FC.^[37]

Lights FC would return home to Cashman Field on August 4 against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on August 4. Lights FC were led by goalkeeper Ricardo Ferriño has he stopped all seven shots from RGV FC on way to his third shutout of the season. Defender Joel Huiqui netted the winner for Lights FC in the 82nd minute, as Lights FC extended their home winning streak to four matches with a 1–0 victory.^[38] Ferriño's seven saves led to him being named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 21.^[39]

Competitions

United Soccer League

Results

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

See main article: 2018 U.S. Open Cup.

Statistics

Appearances

Source:^[40]

Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute.

Players listed with no appearances have been in the matchday squad, but only as unused substitutes.

Discipline includes league, playoffs, and Open Cup play.

Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward

No.	Pos.	Name	League		Playoffs		U.S. Open Cup		Total		Discipline
			Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1	GK	Ricardo Ferriño	23	0	0	0	2	0	25	0	5	0	0
2	DF	Carter Manley	2 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	2 (1)	0	0	0	0
3	DF	Joel Huiqui	19 (1)	4	0	0	2	1	21 (1)	5	13	0	0
4	DF	Rodrigo Íñigo	7	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	2	0	0
7	MF	Carlos Alvarez	22	6	0	0	2	1	24	7	5	0	1
8	FW	Omar Salgado	7 (2)	2	0	0	0	0	7 (2)	2	2	0	0
9	FW	Sammy Ochoa	23 (1)	5	0	0	2	2	25 (1)	7	5	0	0
11	MF	Freddy Adu	7 (5)	1	0	0	0 (1)	0	7 (6)	1	1	0	0
12	MF	Eric Avila	12 (3)	0	0	0	1	0	13 (3)	0	4	0
13	DF	Juan Herrera-Perla	13 (1)	0	0	0	1 (1)	0	14 (2)	0	4	0	0
14	MF	Alex Mendoza	7 (7)	2	0	0	1 (1)	0	8 (8)	2	3	0	0
17	DF	Juan Carlos García	5 (4)	0	0	0	0	0	5 (4)	0	0	0	0
20	MF	Sebastian Hernandez	0 (2)	0	0	0	0	0	0 (2)	0	0	0	0
21	MF	Matt Thomas	10 (5)	2	0	0	2	0	12 (5)	3	2	0	1
22	GK	Angel Alvarez	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0
23	DF	Christian Torres	15 (2)	0	0	0	2	0	17 (2)	0	2	0	1
25	MF	Rafael Garcia	5	1	0	0	0	0	5	1	0	0	0
26	MF	Julian Portugal	6 (7)	0	0	0	0	0	6 (7)	0	3	0	0
29	DF	Joseph Patrick Pérez	4 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	4 (1)	0	2	0	0
33	DF	Miguel Garduño	12	0	0	0	2	0	14	0	4	0	1
40	MF	Raúl Mendiola	10 (4)	5	0	0	0	0	10 (4)	5	1	0	0
44	MF	Daigo Kobayashi	20 (4)	4	0	0	2	0	22 (4)	4	2	0	0
58	FW	Daniel Guzmán Jr.	2 (3)	0	0	0	0	0	2 (3)	0	0	0	0
Players with appearances who left before the end of the season
	DF	Marcelo Alatorre	18 (1)	0	0	0	1 (1)	1	19 (2)	1	5	0	2
	MF	Juan José Calderón	1 (2)	0	0	0	0 (1)	0	1 (3)	0	1	0	0
	DF	Marco Cesar Jaime Jr.	16 (3)	0	0	0	1 (1)	0	17 (4)	0	8	0	0
	FW	Isaác Díaz	2 (2)	0	0	0	0	0	2 (2)	0	0	0	0
	DF	Zak Drake	3 (3)	0	0	0	1	0	4 (3)	0	1	0	0
	DF	Jorge Guillen-Torres	4	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0
	MF	Adolfo Guzman	0 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	0 (1)	0	0	0	0
	FW	Anuar Kanan	2 (2)	0	0	0	0	0	2 (2)	0	0	0	0
	MF	Zach Mathers	3 (2)	1	0	0	0	0	3 (2)	1	1	0	0
	MF	James Murphy	6 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	6 (1)	0	0	0	0
	DF	Nico Samayoa	1 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	1 (1)	0	1	0	0

Top scorers

The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.

width=10		width=10		width=10		width=150	Player	width=50	United Soccer League	width=50	USL Playoffs	width=50	U.S. Open Cup	width=50	Total
1	MF	7	align=left	Carlos Alvarez	6	0	1	7
	FW	9	align=left	Sammy Ochoa	5	0	2	7
3	MF	40	Raúl Mendiola	6	0	0	6
4	DF	3		4	0	1	5
5	DF	44	align=left	Daigo Kobayashi	4	0	0	4
6	MF	21	Matt Thomas	3	0	0	3
7	FW	8	align=left	Omar Salgado	2	0	0	2
	MF	14	align=left	Alex Mendoza	2	0	0	2
9	MF	11	Freddy Adu	1	0	0	1
	DF	16	Marcelo Alatorre	0	0	1	1
	MF	25	Rafael Garcia	1	0	0	1
	MF	32	Zach Mathers	1	0	0	1
	Own goals			1	0	0	1
TOTALS				36	0	5	41

Clean sheets

The list is sorted by shirt number when total appearances are equal.

width=10		width=10		width=150	Player	width=50	United Soccer League	width=50	USL Playoffs	width=50	U.S. Open Cup	width=50	Total
1	1	Ricardo Ferriño	3	0	0	3
TOTALS			3	0	0	3

Transfers

Players transferred in

scope=col style="width:10em;"	Date	scope=col style="width:3em;"		scope=col style="width:14em;"	Name	scope=col style="width:14em;"	Club	scope=col style="width:10em;"	Fee	scope=col style="width:3em;"	Ref.
January 8, 2018	MF	Adolfo Guzman	Unattached	Free	[41]
January 8, 2018	MF	Sebastian Hernandez	Unattached	Free
January 8, 2018	MF	Marco César Jaime Jr.	Unattached	Free
January 8, 2018	MF	Julian Portugal	Unattached	Free
January 8, 2018	MF	Matt Thomas	Rocky Mountain College	Free
January 16, 2018	DF	Zak Drake	F.C. Maia	Undisclosed	[42]
January 16, 2018	DF	Juan Herrera-Perla	FC Dallas Academy	Free
January 16, 2018	MF	Alex Mendoza	Unattached	Free
January 16, 2018	DF	Jorge Guillen-Torres	Unattached	Free
January 26, 2018	DF	Joel Huiqui	Potros UAEM	Free	[43]
January 31, 2018	DF	Marcelo Alatorre	Venados F.C.	Free	[44]
January 31, 2018	GK	Angel Alvarez	Unattached	Free
January 31, 2018	MF	Juan José Calderón	Unattached	Free
January 31, 2018	GK	Ricardo Ferriño	Venados F.C.	Free
January 31, 2018	MF	Juan Carlos García	Unattached	Free
January 31, 2018	DF	Miguel Garduño	Unattached	Free
January 31, 2018	FW	Anuar Kanan	Young Harris College	Free
January 31, 2018	DF	Christian Torres	Dorados de Sinaloa	Free
February 12, 2018	MF	Carlos Alvarez	Los Angeles FC	Free
February 16, 2018	MF	Daigo Kobayashi	New England Revolution	Free	[45]
February 16, 2018	FW	Sammy Ochoa	Sacramento Republic FC	Free
February 22, 2018	MF	Freddy Adu	Unattached	Free	[46]
May 4, 2018	GK	Thomas Olsen	University of San Diego	Free	[47]
May 22, 2018	MF	Eric Avila	ASC San Diego	Free	[48]
May 31, 2018	MF	Zach Mathers	Seattle Sounders FC	Free	[49]
May 31, 2018	MF	Raúl Mendiola	LA Galaxy	Free
July 12, 2018	FW	Daniel Guzmán Jr.	CD Suchitepéquez	Free
July 12, 2018	DF	Rodrigo Íñigo	Venados	Free
August 10, 2018	MF	Rafael Garcia	New York Cosmos B	Free	[50]

Players loaned in

scope=col style="width:10em;"	Start date	scope=col style="width:3em;"		scope=col style="width:14em;"	Name	scope=col style="width:14em;"	Club	scope=col style="width:10em;"	End date	scope=col style="width:3em;"	Ref.
January 31, 2018	FW	Isaác Díaz	Mineros de Zacatecas	May 10, 2018	[51]
June 11, 2018	DF	Nico Samayoa	New England Revolution	July 11, 2018	[52]
June 22, 2018	MF	James Murphy	Los Angeles FC	August 6, 2018	[53]
July 12, 2018	FW	Omar Salgado	USL El Paso		[54]
July 12, 2018	DF	Joseph Patrick Pérez	Club Puebla		[55]
July 31, 2018	DF	Carter Manley	Minnesota United FC		[56]

Players transferred out

Players loaned out

scope=col style="width:10em;"	Start date	scope=col style="width:3em;"		scope=col style="width:14em;"	Name	scope=col style="width:14em;"	Club	scope=col style="width:10em;"	End date	scope=col style="width:3em;"	Ref.
August 3, 2018	GK	Thomas Olsen	Sacramento Republic FC	September 14, 2018	[57]

Players released

scope=col style="width:10em;"	Date	scope=col style="width:3em;"		scope=col style="width:14em;"	Name	scope=col style="width:14em;"	Subsequent club	scope=col style="width:10em;"	Join date	scope=col style="width:3em;"	Ref.
May 22, 2018	MF	Jorge Guillen-Torres	Unattached
May 22, 2018	MF	Adolfo Guzman	Unattached
May 22, 2018	FW	Anuar Kanan	Unattached
June 29, 2018	DF	Zak Drake	Unattached		[58]
July 6, 2018	MF	Zach Mathers	unattached		[59]
July 10, 2018	MF	Juan José Calderón	unattached		[60]
August 18, 2018	DF	Marcelo Alatorre	unattached
August 18, 2018	MF	Marco César Jaime Jr.	unattached

Awards

Player

	Player	Award	Week/Month	Source
21	Matt Thomas	USL Team of the Week	Week 1
7	Joel Huiqui	Week 3
5	Nico Samayoa	Week 17
44	Raúl Mendiola	Week 18	[61]
1	Ricardo Ferriño	Week 21
44	Raúl Mendiola	Week 28	[62]
2	Carter Manley	Week 31	[63]

Coach

See also

• 2018 USL season
• 2018 in American soccer

Notes and References

1. Web site: Las Vegas working with soccer team to use Cashman Field . Munks . Jamie . April 19, 2017 . . May 12, 2018.
2. Web site: Las Vegas approves United Soccer League team for Cashman Field in 2018 . Manzano . Gilbert . July 19, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 12, 2018.
3. Web site: LAS VEGAS JOINS THE UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE IN 2018 SEASON . Dadas . Jaclyn . Komitzky . Lea . August 11, 2017 . . May 12, 2018.
4. Web site: New United Soccer League team will be called Las Vegas Lights FC . Gotz . Ben . August 29, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 12, 2018.
5. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC releases logo, hopes it carries local appeal . Gotz . Ben . October 30, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 12, 2018.
6. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC announce José Luis Sánchez Solá as first head coach . Gotz . Ben . November 13, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 13, 2018.
7. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC announce Zappos as jersey sponsor . Gotz . Ben . December 6, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 13, 2018.
8. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC to unveil home jerseys Feb. 7 . Gotz . Ben . January 30, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 13, 2018.
9. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC to open season with 3 MLS exhibition games . Gotz . Ben . November 27, 2017 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 22, 2018.
10. Web site: Lights FC lose preseason debut in front of sellout crowd . Gotz . Ben . February 11, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
11. Web site: Juan Jose Calderon provides spark, but Lights FC loses again . Gotz . Ben . February 17, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
12. Web site: Freddy Adu debuts, but Lights FC loses to D.C. United . Gotz . Ben . February 24, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
13. Web site: Lights FC ends preseason with 1–1 draw at Orange County . Gotz . Ben . March 8, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
14. Web site: CHELÍS PROMOTED TO LIGHTS FC TECHNICAL DIRECTOR . USLSoccer.com Staff . March 14, 2018 . Las Vegas Lights FC . June 2, 2018 . March 16, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023735/https://www.lasvegaslightsfc.com/news_article/show/897853?referrer_id=2988909 . dead .
15. Web site: Lights FC opens inaugural USL season with 3–2 win at Fresno . Gotz . Ben . March 17, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
16. News: Belmar Named USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . March 20, 2018 . May 1, 2018 .
17. Web site: Lights Lights FC draw 1–1 with Reno 1868 FC in home opener . Gotz . Ben . March 24, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
18. Web site: Carlos Alvarez, Lights FC rally for 2–1 win over Swope Park . Gotz . Ben . March 31, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 3, 2018.
19. News: Enevoldsen Named USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . April 3, 2018 . May 1, 2018 .
20. News: LIGHTS FC'S ISIDRO SÁNCHEZ NAMED USL'S COACH OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH . lasvegaslightsfc.com . April 11, 2018 . May 1, 2018 .
21. News: Lights FC earns 1–1 draw with Sacramento Republic FC . Las Vegas Review Journal . April 14, 2018 . June 3, 2018 .
22. News: Ugliness all around in Lights' first defeat . Las Vegas Review Journal . April 27, 2018 . June 3, 2018 .
23. News: Lights FC earn scoreless draw with Real Monarchs SLC . Las Vegas Review Journal . April 30, 2018 . June 3, 2018 .
24. Web site: FC Golden State Force eliminates Lights FC from U.S. Open Cup . Gotz . Ben . May 23, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
25. Web site: Sammy Ochoa scores first goals of season to lift Lights FC . Gotz . Ben . May 16, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 2, 2018.
26. Web site: Lights FC crushes Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 4–1 . Gotz . Ben . June 2, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 3, 2018.
27. Web site: Phoenix Rising FC rolls through Lights FC, Ricardo Ferrino . Gotz . Ben . June 13, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 15, 2018.
28. Web site: Lights' technical director suspended 8 games for contact with fan . Gotz . Ben . June 15, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 20, 2018.
29. Web site: Samuel Ochoa leads Lights FC past Seattle Sounders FC 2 . Gotz . Ben . June 16, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 20, 2018.
30. Web site: Failed penalty kick dooms Lights FC late in 3–2 loss . Gotz . Ben . June 24, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 2, 2018.
31. Web site: Missed penalty kick haunts Lights FC again in 2–2 draw . Gotz . Ben . July 1, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 2, 2018.
32. Web site: Raul Mendiola's goal lifts Lights FC over Saint Louis FC . Gotz . Ben . July 7, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 8, 2018.
33. News: Brown Voted USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . July 10, 2018 . July 11, 2018 .
34. Web site: Lights FC lose thriller at OKC Energy FC . Gotz . Ben . July 11, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 12, 2018.
35. Web site: Lights FC not sharp in loss to Rio Grande Valley FC . Gotz . Ben . July 14, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 15, 2018.
36. Web site: Omar Salgado's late strike lifts Lights FC past Portland . Gotz . Ben . July 22, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 23, 2018.
37. Web site: Lights FC earns 2 red cards in loss to Seattle . Gotz . Ben . July 26, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 8, 2018.
38. Web site: Joel Huiqui leads Lights FC to 4th straight home win . Gotz . Ben . August 4, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 8, 2018.
39. Web site: Lights FC players make long-awaited returns to field . Gotz . Ben . August 8, 2018 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 8, 2018.
40. Web site: Player Stats . Las Vegas Lights FC . May 12, 2018.
41. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC make 5 local players first roster signees . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . January 8, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
42. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC add 7 players to preseason roster . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . January 16, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
43. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC announce 2 new signees . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . January 26, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
44. Web site: Las Vegas Lights FC sign 11 players to spring training roster . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . January 31, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
45. Web site: 3 things to look for in the Lights FC-Vancouver Whitecaps FC game . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . February 16, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
46. Web site: Lights FC plan to play Freddy Adu against D.C. United . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review Journal . February 23, 2018 . May 2, 2018.
47. Web site: LIGHTS FC SIGNS GOALKEEPER THOMAS OLSEN, THE CLUB'S SEVENTH PLAYER WITH LAS VEGAS ROOTS . Greene . Ryan. Las Vegas Lights FC . May 4, 2018 . May 7, 2018.
48. Web site: Lights FC cut Las Vegas native Guzman, 2 others, and add 3 . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 22, 2018 . May 22, 2018.
49. Web site: Lights FC adds two midfielders to roster . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 31, 2018 . June 2, 2018.
50. Web site: Daigo Kobayashi dives deeper into Las Vegas with Lights FC . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 10, 2018 . August 11, 2018.
51. Web site: Jorge Guillen-Torres hopes to reward Lights FC coaches' faith . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . May 10, 2018 . May 11, 2018.
52. Web site: Lights FC acquires defender Nico Samayoa on loan . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 11, 2018 . June 12, 2018.
53. Web site: Lights FC acquires James Murphy on loan from MLS team . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 22, 2018 . June 23, 2018.
54. Web site: Lights FC picks up former No. 1 pick Omar Salgado on loan . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 13, 2018 . June 13, 2018.
55. Web site: 4 Lights FC transfers become eligible to play . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 12, 2018 . July 13, 2018.
56. Web site: Lights FC acquire Carter Manley from Minnesota United FC . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 31, 2018 . August 8, 2018.
57. Web site: REPUBLIC FC SIGN GOALKEEPER THOMAS OLSEN ON LOAN . Sacramento Republic FC . Sacramento Republic FC . August 3, 2018 . August 17, 2018.
58. Web site: Lights FC look to MLS loanees for added depth . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 29, 2018 . July 2, 2018.
59. Web site: Juan Carlos Garcia helps Lights FC from sidelines . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 6, 2018 . July 8, 2018.
60. Web site: USL rule prevents three Lights FC newcomers from playing . Gotz . Ben. Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 10, 2018 . July 11, 2018.
61. News: Iwasa Voted USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . July 17, 2018 . July 18, 2018 .
62. News: Ewolo Voted USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . September 25, 2018 . March 5, 2019 .
63. News: Lancaster Voted USL Player of the Week . uslsoccer.com . October 16, 2018 . March 5, 2019 .