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With 10 days to go before the first match in club history is played, the Las Vegas Lights Football Club (FC) Spring Training roster is nearing its completion.
On Wednesday, Lights FC announced the official additions to the preseason roster of 11 more names, including players with high-level Liga MX experience in Mexico, backgrounds in the United Soccer League (USL) and a sixth member of the Lights FC squad with local Las Vegas roots. They will all be with the club as it embarks on Soccer Spring Training, beginning next Saturday night, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. at Cashman Field vs. Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact.
Fans and media are invited to see the entire team up close at all open training sessions both before and during the 2018 USL season. For an up-to-date weekly training schedule, visit LightsFC.com/Training.
“In this group, there are 8 of the 10 foreigners we currently have in camp – these players next to Gerardo Lugo and Joel Huiqui will be a key piece of this team,” said Lights FC head coach Chelís. “I trust their individual dreams and goals. Overall, they are players that I have coached and thus they are able to adapt quicker to the coaching staff. Christian Torres, for example, is a central defender that I knew from Dorados, while Angel Alvarez is a goalkeeper from Las Vegas that we were able to detect through scouting locally.”
In alphabetical order, the following 11 players are now officially members of the Lights FC 2018 Spring Training roster:
- MARCELO ALATORRE – DEFENDER – 33 YEARS OLD
One of the most accomplished professional players featured on Lights FC’s Spring Training roster, Alatorre achieved his greatest fame in his home country of Mexico while playing for PUMAS of Liga MX from 2015-2016. He also helped Leones Negros to an Ascenso MX league championship while playing for the club from 2014-2015. Now, Alatorre relishes an opportunity to not just be a part of the growing pro soccer scene in the United States, but to be a mentor to younger teammates – a role he has already fully embraced in camp.
- ANGEL ALVAREZ – GOALKEEPER – 20 YEARS OLD
The sixth member of Lights FC’s Spring Training roster with Las Vegas roots, Alvarez is the club’s youngest current member. A graduate of Rancho High, Alvarez was named All-Southeast League and Goalkeeper of the Year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a senior in 2015.
- JUAN JOSE CALDERON – MIDFIELDER – 26 YEARS OLD
Another accomplished Liga MX veteran, from 2008-2012, he worked his way up from the U20 squad to the 1st division team with Toluca FC, and has also played in Mexico’s top league with Leon FC and C.F. Pachuca. He is the younger brother of Nestor Calderon, who is currently playing for PUMAS of Liga MX.
- ISAAC DIAZ – FORWARD – 24 YEARS OLD
With speed to burn, “Pájaro” (Spanish for “The Bird”) worked his way from the 4th division to the 1st division with Estudiantes Tecos from 2009-2013, and has played in more than 40 Ascenso MX games. He was also signed by Pachuca of Liga MX in 2014.
- RICARDO FERRIÑO – GOALKEEPER – 26 YEARS OLD
An incredibly versatile goalkeeper, Ferriño was developed in the Puebla FC youth academy. He’s played in Ascenso MX since 2016, and brings the unique ability to shoot laser-like free kicks on the offensive end.
- JUAN CARLOS GARCIA – FORWARD – 32 YEARS OLD
A big, scoring forward, “Kabe” has extensive history with the Lights FC coaching staff and head coach Chelís, having played for him during his time with Puebla FC of Liga MX from 2006-2010.
- MIGUEL ANGEL GARDUÑO – DEFENDER – 26 YEARS OLD
An imposing presence on the back line, “Big Mike” played for the U20 clubs of both PUMAS and Xolos Tijuana. Before joining Lights FC, his previous club was Venados Mérida of Ascenso MX.
- ANUAR KANAN – FORWARD – 21 YEARS OLD
Another speedster on the outside with a scoring touch and a unique story, Kanan grew up in Puebla while Chelís coached Puebla FC, calling him a “hero” to him and those he played with. Kanan came to America to study business and play collegiate soccer in Georgia.
- CESAR RIVERA – MIDFIELDER – 31 YEARS OLD
A seasoned midfielder who has made a pro career for himself mostly in Southern California after training with Liga MX clubs Necaxa and Monarcas Morelia, Rivera spent the past few seasons playing in the United Soccer League for Orange County.
- PABLO ROSSI – MIDFIELDER – 25 YEARS OLD
The Argentinian midfielder also brings extensive USL experience to the table. He signed with Seattle Sounders FC 2 in 2015, and ended up scoring eight goals in 27 appearances that season. He most recently played for Deportivo Pereira in Colombia, netting four goals in 27 appearances.
- CHRISTIAN TORRES – DEFENDER – 21 YEARS OLD
Torres saw a rapid rise with Xolos Tijuana of Liga MX, moving from their U17 club up to the 1st division club. Even at a young age, he’s played in 12 Copa MX games in Mexico, and last season logged more than 1,000 minutes and started 12 games for Dorados Sinaloa of Ascenso MX.
“Our roster now represents five different nationalities, six players with local Las Vegas ties, two former Mexican National Team players and several players with professional experience across three continents,” Lights FC Owner & CEO Brett Lashbrook said. “We can’t wait for our players to put on a show in front of all of our fans in our first match next week – it will be an event to remember.”
Single-game tickets for Lights FC’s three Soccer Spring Training matches (Feb. 10, 17 and 24) and the March 24 regular season home opener vs. in-state rival Reno 1868 FC showdown are now on sale, starting at just $15. Purchase today by visiting LightsFC.com/SingleTix or by calling or by calling 702.728.GOAL (4625) during regular business hours.
Lights FC 2018 season tickets are also still on sale, starting at just $200. Each season ticket purchased includes a free team jersey (valued at $80). Ticket for groups of 10 or more are also now on sale, starting at just $18 per ticket, with each ticket purchased including a free Lights FC scarf (valued at $20). For more ticketing inquiries, visit LightsFC.com/Tickets.
