Jump to content

Las Vegas Lights FC

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Las Vegas Lights FC
FoundedAugust 11, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-08-11)
StadiumCashman Field
Capacity9,334
Principal ownerJosé Bautista
Head coachDennis Sanchez
LeagueUSL Championship
20244th, Western Conference
Playoffs: Conference Finals
Websitelasvegaslightsfc.com
Current season

Las Vegas Lights FC is an American professional soccer team based in Las Vegas, Nevada, that plays in the USL Championship. The team made its debut in 2018 and plays its home games at Cashman Field.

The team employs neon imagery in its crest and jerseys. It has engaged in unusual promotions to attract fans, including the use of llama mascots and rewarding players with casino chips. The Lights are owned by an investment group led by former Major League Baseball player José Bautista.

History

[edit]

The first professional soccer team to be based in Las Vegas was the Las Vegas Quicksilvers of the North American Soccer League, who moved from San Diego after the 1976 season.[1] The team played at Las Vegas Stadium and had an average attendance of 7,092 during the 1977 season, but moved back to San Diego the following year.[2] The Las Vegas Seagulls of the American Soccer League briefly played at Las Vegas Stadium (by then the Las Vegas Silver Bowl) in 1979, but were terminated by the league after their first season due to financial issues.[3][4] The city also played host to the 1994 FIFA World Cup draw in December 1993 and was considered several times for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, but was passed over by the league.[5][6]

The city hosted several exhibition matches between club and national soccer teams during the early 2010s,[7] including a 2012 World Football Challenge match between Real Madrid and Santos Laguna that drew a state-record attendance of 29,152 spectators.[8] An MLS expansion bid was explored in 2014, led by Findlay Sports and Entertainment and the Cordish Company, proposing a 24,000-seat stadium at Symphony Park in Downtown Las Vegas.[9] The Las Vegas bid was rejected for further consideration by MLS in February 2015, putting an end to plans for the publicly financed downtown stadium.[10] Despite an attempted revival, the city declined to submit a proposal in time for the league's deadline for expansion bids in February 2017.[11]

In April 2017, Brett Lashbrook submitted a formal proposal to the Las Vegas City Manager to use Cashman Field as the venue of a USL expansion team that would begin play in 2018.[12] The Las Vegas City Council approved the Cashman Field lease in July, and the USL began planning for a formal announcement in mid-August.[13] On August 11, 2017, Las Vegas was formally announced as a USL expansion team that would join the league in 2018.[14][15] The team unveiled its official name, Las Vegas Lights FC, on August 29 and its official crest in late October.[16][17]

Historical chart of the Lights' regular season performance within the American soccer pyramid

Inaugural season

[edit]
Main article: 2018 Las Vegas Lights FC season

Chelís, a former MLS and Liga MX manager, was introduced as the team's head coach in November and promised to build a team that would entertain.[18] The Lights held their first scouting camps in December and signed several Mexican players using connections from Chelís.[19][20] In the inaugural preseason match, the team lost 2–0 to the Montreal Impact but attracted a sellout crowd of 10,387 people.[21] The signing of Mexican players caused a language barrier that hindered on-field chemistry during its preseason matches against MLS teams, losing all three, but the team's players worked through the language gap.[22] The team signed former MLS teenage prodigy Freddy Adu, who debuted in a preseason match against his first club, D.C. United.[23]

The team played their inaugural regular season match in Fresno, California, on March 17, 2018, winning 3–2 over Fresno FC.[24] In their first home regular season match, played on March 24, the Lights drew 1–1 with in-state rivals Reno 1868 FC in a match attended by 9,019 spectators.[25] In the 2018 U.S. Open Cup, the Lights defeated FC Tucson and advanced to the third round, where they lost to FC Golden State Force.[26] The club went on a long winless streak in August and September that eliminated the Lights from qualifying for the USL Playoffs.[27] Chelis announced his departure from the club on September 18, following poor performances and an eight-match suspension for misconduct involving a spectator.[28] Las Vegas concluded the season with 8 wins, 19 losses, and 7 draws, and manager Isidro Sánchez was fired on October 14.[29] Former U.S. player and Atlanta Silverbacks coach Eric Wynalda was hired as manager and technical director on October 17.[30]

Affiliation with Los Angeles FC

[edit]

On March 12, 2021, Las Vegas Lights FC announced an affiliation partnership with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer. Under the one-year partnership, Las Vegas became the USL affiliate of LAFC and shared technical staff, including new manager Steve Cherundolo, a former U.S. national team player.[31][32] In 2022, the affiliation was extended for another season.[33] The team finished last in the Western Conference during the 2021 season.[34] Cherundolo departed to become head coach of Los Angeles FC and was replaced in Las Vegas by assistant Enrique Duran in February 2022.[35] Duran led the team to an improved finish within a point of earning a playoff berth.[34][36]

Post-affiliation

[edit]

The affiliation agreement ended in 2023 with the establishment of Los Angeles FC 2 in MLS Next Pro as part of a league initiative to create their own reserve league. Duran moved with the program, along with all existing players. The Lights hired Isidro Sánchez, who had been their head coach in 2018, and signed 25 new players during the offseason.[37] Lights FC finished with a 4–22–10 record in the 2023 season. Dennis Sanchez, a former assistant coach for Austin FC II, was hired as head coach of the club in January 2024.[38]

Stadium

[edit]
Cashman Field, the team's home venue since 2018

The Lights play their home matches at Cashman Field, a stadium in Downtown Las Vegas that was primarily used for the Las Vegas 51s, a minor league baseball team from 1983 until 2018. It has 9,334 permanent seats and additional standing room capacity.[39] The configuration of Cashman Field is more suited for soccer than other former baseball parks. With center field at a right angle and all the foul territory behind first and third base at equal distance, the field is in a square shape and seats are close to the field for soccer.[40] Prior to the Lights, the stadium also hosted MLS preseason matches between the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes in 2016 and 2017.[41] The Lights have a 15-year lease agreement with the city government to use Cashman Field, expiring in 2032.[6][42]

The Las Vegas 51s (renamed the Las Vegas Aviators) relocated to a new stadium in Summerlin in 2019, leaving the Lights as the sole tenant of Cashman Field.[42][43] The Lights began renovations to the locker rooms and stadium offices prior to the 2019 season, with further plans to make it a soccer-specific venue.[44] The city government also began exploring options for a larger soccer-specific stadium in downtown Las Vegas to accommodate an MLS expansion team.[45]

The team is scheduled to play two regular season games at Las Vegas Ballpark in October 2023.[46]

Colors and badge

[edit]

The Lights name was announced on August 29, 2017, after being decided in an online poll ahead of five other finalists, including Las Vegas FC, Las Vegas Silver, Club Vegas, Viva Vegas and Las Vegas Action. The name evokes the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, where many buildings use neon lights and signage.[16] The neon imagery is also reflected in the club's crest, a rotated version of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign bordered by neon tubes. The crest also features text written in neon tubes, as well as a pink star. The team's colors, blue, yellow, and pink, were submitted by fans and are derived from the city's traditional seal.[17][47]

The club's jerseys are manufactured by BLK and include the logos of sponsors Zappos and Findlay Toyota.[48] The home jersey was designed by Zappos's art director and is primarily black with the team's color in neon trim. The underside has an emoji smiley face covered in confetti,[49][50] to be used in goal celebrations when pulled up and over players' heads.[51][52][53] The away jersey is primarily white, with light blue and yellow accents and was unveiled with players donning a body painted replica.[54]

Sponsorship

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2018–2020 BLK[48] Zappos[48]
2021 Tigra Findlay Toyota
2022 Meyba Coin Cloud
2023 LiUNA!
2024–present Hummel

Ownership and management

[edit]

The Lights were founded as Las Vegas Lights, LLC by Brett Lashbrook, a former consultant to USL and MLS clubs in Florida.[55] Lashbrook spent part of his childhood in the Las Vegas area and was part of Orlando City SC during their transition from the USL to MLS and also worked for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[56][57] The team's vice president of corporate partnerships is Steve Pastorino, who worked with the Chicago Fire and Oakland Athletics as marketing director.[58]

The team's first head coach and technical director was Chelís, who left the club in September 2018 after earning a losing record and missing 12 matches due to a suspension.[28] His son and assistant coach, Isidro Sánchez, took over for the remainder of the inaugural season until his firing in October 2018.[29] Former U.S. national team player and television commentator Eric Wynalda was subsequently hired and led the Lights to an improved record but short of a playoff spot.[59] On June 17, 2020, Wynalda was fired by the Lights for an undisclosed violation of league rules during the USL's preparations to resume play amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[60] Former MLS coach Frank Yallop was named as interim head coach later that month.[61]

In April 2018, the Lights became the first professional sports team in the United States to be sponsored by a licensed marijuana dispensary. As part of the agreement, the Nuwu dispensary has a sign in Cashman Field advertising its downtown store, located two blocks from the stadium.[62] Two months later, the club announced a partnership with bookmaker William Hill to offer in-game betting via a special mobile app, along with free $5 bets for each home win.[63]

On January 16, 2024, Las Vegas Lights, LLC were sold to an investor group led by former Major League Baseball star José Bautista.[64]

Club culture

[edit]

The Lights have used unusual promotions and gimmicks to attract fans, including a DJ in the supporters' section and two llama mascots, Dolly and Dotty. The llamas were provided by sponsors Zappos and appear during tailgate parties and pre-game festivities, including the team photos;[65] during one incident, a llama defecated on the field with only two minutes left before kickoff.[66] The team's mascot is "Cash the Soccer Rocker", a dancing caricature of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, who rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle around the stadium.[51][67] The team's players are rewarded with casino chips for regular season home wins with three or more goals, out of a pot of $30,000 supplied by the Plaza Hotel & Casino for the team.[68] Owner Brett Lashbrook stated that he wanted his team to be "a fast, fun soccer party" and encouraged the use of flags and smoke bombs by supporters.[21][69] The team regularly hosts "cash drop" stunts, in which helicopters or other means are used to drop money onto the field for fans to grab. One instance with a helicopter in September 2019 was investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration for improper altitude control.[70]

Before home matches, the Lights award a "pink scarf" to Las Vegas residents for their contributions to the community at large. The inaugural honoree of the pink scarf was mayor Carolyn Goodman.[71]

The team had a rivalry with Reno 1868 FC, the other USL team in the state of Nevada, called the Silver State Cup. The rivalry was named in an online poll by fans of both teams ahead of their first match in March 2018.[72] Reno ceased operations after the 2020 season due to financial issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[73]

Broadcasting

[edit]

The Lights broadcast their home matches and some away matches on KVCW, an over-the-air channel serving the Las Vegas market. All matches are streamed online on ESPN+ as part of a league-wide broadcast deal that began in April 2018. Some of the club's matches are also scheduled to be broadcast on ESPNews and ESPN3.[74] The inaugural preseason match in February 2018 had been aired on "KCLV", a city-run government access channel, but a broadcast agreement could not be reached due to the commercial nature of the club.[54][75] Radio broadcasts for Lights matches are carried on 1460 AM ESPN Deportes in Spanish.[76]

Players and staff

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
As of September 11, 2024[77]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Switzerland SUI Nicholas Ammeter
2 DF United States USA Grayson Doody (on loan from CF Montréal)
5 FW Denmark DEN Elias Gärtig
6 MF England ENG Charlie Adams
7 MF United States USA Joe Gyau
8 MF United States USA Coleman Gannon
10 FW Dominican Republic DOM Edison Azcona
11 MF United States USA Christian Pinzón
13 MF United States USA Giovanni Aguilar
14 FW Ghana GHA Solomon Asante
16 MF United States USA Ousman Jabang (on loan from CF Montréal)
20 DF United States USA Shawn Smart
21 DF Montenegro MNE Emrah Klimenta
22 DF United States USA Joe Hafferty
24 DF Jamaica JAM Maliek Howell
No. Pos. Nation Player
26 MF Cameroon CMR J.C. Ngando (on loan from Vancouver Whitecaps)
27 MF France FRA Valentin Noël
30 GK United States USA George Marks (on loan from Charlotte FC)
31 GK United States USA Austin Wormell
33 DF United States USA Gennaro Nigro
35 MF Trinidad and Tobago TRI Andre Fortune
41 FW United States USA Vaughn Covil
56 GK Cuba CUB Raiko Arozarena
60 DF United States USA Sawyer Crisostomo ([A])
72 DF Ivory Coast CIV Gaoussou Samaké
77 MF El Salvador SLV Alexander Romero ([A])
79 MF Haiti HAI All Gue ([A])
90 FW Jamaica JAM Khori Bennett
95 GK United States USA Dominic Pereira
  1. ^
    USL Academy contract
    2.

Staff

[edit]
Title Name Nation
Owner José Bautista  Dominican Republic
CEO Shawn McIntosh  United States[78]
Sporting director Gianleonardo Neglia  Italy[79]
Head coach Dennis Sánchez  United States
Assistant coach Gerson Echeverry  Colombia
Assistant coach Ivan Mirkovic  Serbia
Goalkeeping coach Armando Quezada  United States

Head coaches

[edit]
  • Includes USL Regular Season, USL Playoffs, and U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.
Coach Nationality Tenure Games Win Loss Draw Win %
Chelís  Mexico November 14, 2017–September 18, 2018 30 8 16 6 026.67
Isidro Sánchez  Canada September 18, 2018–October 16, 2018 6 1 4 1 016.67
Eric Wynalda  United States October 17, 2018–June 17, 2020 36 12 16 8 033.33
Frank Yallop  Canada June 29, 2020–January 31, 2021[80] 16 2 9 5 012.50
Steve Cherundolo  United States March 12, 2021–January 3, 2022[31] 32 6 23 3 018.75
Enrique Duran  Spain February 4, 2022–January 25, 2023[81] 34 12 13 9 035.29
Isidro Sánchez  Canada January 25, 2023–January 29, 2024[82] 36 4 22 10 011.11
Dennis Sanchez  United States January 29, 2024–present[83] 0 0 0 0 !—

Record

[edit]

Year-by-year

[edit]
As of November 16, 2024
Season USL Championship Playoffs U.S. Open Cup Top scorer Avg. attendance
P W L D GF GA Pts Pos Player Goals
2018 34 8 19 7 50 74 31 15th, Western did not qualify Third round Mexico Raúl Mendiola 10 6,786
2019 34 11 15 8 46 56 41 13th, Western did not qualify Third round United States Irvin Parra 15 7,711
2020 16 2 9 5 24 34 11 15th, Western
5th, Group 5 		did not qualify Cancelled Malawi Yamikani Chester 4 N/A
2021 32 6 23 3 41 77 21 15th, Western
8th, Pacific 		did not qualify Cancelled United States Cal Jennings 11 N/A
2022 34 12 13 9 40 50 45 9th, Western did not qualify Second round Mexico Danny Trejo 14 5,615
2023 34 3 21 10 36 66 19 12th, Western did not qualify Third round El Salvador Danny Ríos 5 N/A
2024 34 13 10 11 49 46 50 4th, Western Conference Final Round of 32 Jamaica Khori Bennett 16 1,942

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Jaws will make move to Las Vegas". Times-Standard. Eureka, California. United Press International. October 20, 1976. p. 17. Retrieved June 4, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Carp, Steve (August 3, 2012). "MLS keeps eye on Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  3. ^ "Seagulls' saga". Reno Gazette-Journal. August 11, 1979. p. 28. Retrieved June 4, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Seagulls sue soccer league". The Oregon Statesman. Salem, Oregon. Associated Press. March 19, 1980. p. 6D. Retrieved June 4, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Kantowski, Ron (August 11, 2017). "Las Vegas politicians, soccer enthusiasts bend it like Beckham at Zappos". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  6. ^ a b Granger, Jesse (July 15, 2017). "Group eyeing Cashman Field for pro soccer franchise confident in Las Vegas market". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  7. ^ Brewer, Ray (June 4, 2018). "Tightened security greets fans at exhibition soccer match". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on August 9, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  8. ^ Carp, Steve (August 5, 2012). "Nearly 30,000 see Real Madrid win exhibition in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  9. ^ Snel, Alan (November 19, 2014). "Las Vegas officials to make pitch for MLS team". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  10. ^ Snel, Alan; DeHaven, James (February 12, 2015). "Major League Soccer takes a pass on Las Vegas, ending downtown stadium dreams". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  11. ^ Helfand, Betsy (January 31, 2017). "Las Vegas doesn't file bid for MLS expansion team". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  12. ^ Munks, Jamie (April 19, 2017). "Las Vegas working with soccer team to use Cashman Field". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  13. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (July 19, 2017). "Las Vegas approves United Soccer League team for Cashman Field in 2018". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  14. ^ "Las Vegas Joins the USL in 2018 Season". USL. August 11, 2017. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  15. ^ Granger, Jesse (August 11, 2017). "Las Vegas gets pro soccer; fans to pick team name". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  16. ^ a b Gotz, Ben (August 29, 2017). "New United Soccer League team will be called Las Vegas Lights FC". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  17. ^ a b Gotz, Ben (October 30, 2017). "Las Vegas Lights FC releases logo, hopes it carries local appeal". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  18. ^ Gotz, Ben (November 14, 2017). "Chelís arrives as advertised to coach Las Vegas Lights FC". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  19. ^ Gotz, Ben (December 9, 2017). "Players try to make quick impression at Las Vegas Lights FC combine". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  20. ^ Gotz, Ben (January 26, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC see opportunity to find players in Mexico". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  21. ^ a b Granger, Jesse (February 10, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights draw 10,387 fans – and two llamas – for fun-filled opener". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on February 11, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  22. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 7, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC's chemistry grows as language barriers fall". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  23. ^ Gotz, Ben (February 24, 2018). "Freddy Adu debuts, but Lights FC loses to D.C. United". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  24. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 17, 2018). "Lights FC opens inaugural USL season with 3-2 win at Fresno". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  25. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 24, 2018). "Lights FC draw 1-1 with Reno 1868 FC in home opener". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  26. ^ Gotz, Ben (May 23, 2018). "FC Golden State Force eliminates Lights FC from U.S. Open Cup". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  27. ^ Helfand, Betsy (September 21, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC takes on in-state rival Reno 1868 FC". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Granger, Jesse (September 18, 2018). "After tumultuous stint, Chelis gone from Las Vegas Lights FC". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  29. ^ a b Hill, Adam (October 14, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC fire coach Isidro Sanchez". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  30. ^ Kantowski, Ron (October 17, 2018). "Former US soccer great Eric Wynalda named Lights FC Head Coach". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  31. ^ a b "Lights FC Announce U.S. Men's National Team Veteran Steve Cherundolo as New Head Coach & Affiliation with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC". Lights FC Communications. March 12, 2021. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  32. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC Announce One-Year Partnership with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC" (Press release). USL Championship. March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  33. ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (February 6, 2022). "Las Vegas Lights FC renew affiliation with LAFC, appoint Enrique Duran head coach". Angels on Parade. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  34. ^ a b Wright, Alex (October 14, 2022). "Lights remain in playoff hunt on final day of season". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  35. ^ Wright, Alex (February 4, 2022). "Lights announce Enrique Duran as head coach". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  36. ^ "2022 Standings". USL Championship. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  37. ^ Wright, Alex (March 11, 2023). "Lights begin season with new coach, entirely new roster". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  38. ^ Brewer, Ray (January 29, 2024). "New Las Vegas Lights coach familiar with developing younger talent". Las Vegas Lights. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  39. ^ Valley, Jackie (April 15, 2016). "As 51s eye move to Summerlin, will it be curtains for Cashman Center?". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  40. ^ Bruning, Jon (May 8, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC and Cashman Field: A Perfect Match". Soccer Stadium Digest. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  41. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (February 10, 2017). "David Bingham, Earthquakes return to Las Vegas for Galaxy match". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  42. ^ a b Gotz, Ben (October 11, 2017). "Las Vegas Lights FC owner 'ecstatic' to become Cashman's primary tenant in 2018". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 30, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  43. ^ Helfland, Betsy (May 7, 2018). "51s, LVCVA release logo honoring last season at Cashman Field". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  44. ^ Brewer, Ray (March 7, 2019). "Las Vegas Lights coach sees bright future for team as it enters its second season". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  45. ^ Johnson, Shea (May 29, 2019). "Las Vegas council to explore deal for soccer stadium, MLS franchise". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  46. ^ Cruz, Martha (July 27, 2023). "Las Vegas Ballpark to host two soccer matches featuring the Las Vegas Lights this October". KSNV. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  47. ^ Granger, Jesse (October 30, 2017). "Pro soccer team Las Vegas Lights FC unveil logo". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  48. ^ a b c Gotz, Ben (January 30, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC to unveil home jerseys Feb. 7". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 14, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  49. ^ "Las Vegas Lights release a unique neon-themed kit that will divide opinion". FourFourTwo. February 8, 2018. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  50. ^ "The look of the Lights". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 11, 2018. p. 10. Retrieved June 5, 2018 – via PressReader.
  51. ^ a b Davis, Matt (April 26, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights: Freddy Adu, llamas, and a partnership with a cannabis dispensary". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  52. ^ Gotz, Ben (February 8, 2018). "Lights FC unveil home jerseys for United Soccer League season". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  53. ^ Wright, Chris (February 8, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights incorporate the city's glitz and glitter into new kit". ESPN. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  54. ^ a b Gotz, Ben (March 14, 2018). "Lights FC paints on away kits at season kickoff party". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  55. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (July 18, 2017). "Brett Lashbrook goes all in to make Las Vegas a soccer town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  56. ^ Murray, Nicholas (August 17, 2017). "Energetic, Enthusiastic Lashbrook Lands in Las Vegas". USL. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  57. ^ Tenorio, Paul (April 23, 2015). "Orlando City chief operating officer Brett Lashbrook resigns". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  58. ^ Gotz, Ben (November 13, 2017). "Lashbrook, Pastorino combine experience to shape Las Vegas Lights FC". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  59. ^ Kantowski, Ron (October 9, 2019). "Las Vegas Lights conclude second home season at soccer crossroad". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  60. ^ Gotz, Ben (June 18, 2020). "Lights FC coach Eric Wynalda fired for rules violation". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  61. ^ Emerson, Justin (June 29, 2020). "Lights FC name MLS veteran Frank Yallop interim coach for 2020". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  62. ^ Gotz, Ben (April 13, 2018). "Lights FC partner with Las Vegas marijuana dispensary". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  63. ^ Gotz, Ben (June 13, 2018). "Lights FC partners with William Hill as official sports book". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  64. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC Acquired by Major League Baseball Star José Bautista". Lights FC Communications. January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  65. ^ West, Phil (June 6, 2018). "Llamas, in-stadium betting, Freddy Adu and Chelis: Las Vegas Lights are soccer's most bizarre team". FourFourTwo. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  66. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 28, 2018). "Lights FC hopes to make good early impression on fans". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  67. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 23, 2018). "Lights FC unveil mascot: Cash the Soccer Rocker". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  68. ^ Granger, Jesse (February 7, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights players score casino chips for scoring wins". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  69. ^ Gotz, Ben (October 30, 2017). "Las Vegas Lights owner wants team to be 'fast, fun, soccer party'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  70. ^ Akers, Mick (October 2, 2019). "FAA investigating Las Vegas Lights' helicopter cash drop". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  71. ^ "The Pink Scarf". Las Vegas Lights FC. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  72. ^ Gotz, Ben (March 23, 2018). "Lights FC plays home opener against 'Nevada's other FC'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  73. ^ Ritenhouse, Duke (November 6, 2020). "Reno 1868 FC ceases operations after four seasons in USL". Reno Gazette-Journal. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  74. ^ Gotz, Ben (April 10, 2018). "Lights FC announces TV deal with myLVTV". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  75. ^ "KCLV Channel 2 to broadcast inaugural Lights FC match Saturday night". Las Vegas Lights FC. February 8, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  76. ^ Gotz, Ben (November 16, 2017). "Las Vegas Lights FC name radio home for Spanish broadcasts". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  77. ^ "Lights FC New Roster Signings". Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  78. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC hires veteran sports executive Shawn McIntosh as Club's Chief Executive Officer". Lights FC Communications. August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  79. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC Appoints Gianleonardo Neglia as Sporting Director". Lights FC Communications. February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  80. ^ Lights FC Communications (June 29, 2020). "2x MLS Coach of the Year and 2x MLS Cup Champion named as Lights FC Coach for the 2020 Season" (Press release). Las Vegas Lights FC. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  81. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC Announces Roster Moves, New Head Coach". USLChampionship.com Staff. February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  82. ^ "LIGHTS FC ANNOUNCE NEW COACHING STAFF & INITIAL PLAYER SIGNINGS FOR 2023 SEASON". Lights FC Communications. January 25, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  83. ^ "Las Vegas Lights FC appoints Dennis Sanchez as new Head Coach". Las Vegas Lights FC. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Las_Vegas_Lights_FC&oldid=1260215036"