Lights FC’s Three Most Intriguing New Players

Following a disappointing first season, manager Eric Wynalda is looking to turnaround the USL’s must-see show in Sin City. Las Vegas Lights FC announced twelve new players joined their 2019 roster, which already included Matt Thomas, Angel Alvarez, Thomas Olsen, Sammy Ochoa, and Christian Torres. The new signings are:

Defenders: Javon Torre, Kevin Garcia Lopez, Gabriel Robinson, Bryan De La Fuente

Midfielders: Christian Hernandez, Pablo Cruz, Eric Gonzalez, Irvin Parra, AlexNyarko Harlley, Lucas Scagglia, Panzani Sousa

Forward: Edwin Rivas

Of the twelve new signings, we focus on three players to watch in the 2019 USL Championship season for Las Vegas.

Irvin Parra

The midfielder arrives with an impressive 2017 USL campaign to his name. During that season, he scored 11 goals and added 13 assists, splitting his time between Seattle Sounders FC 2 and Orange County.

Having a player in the midfield that can set up his teammates as well as score for himself will be huge for Las Vegas in 2019.

Gabe Robinson

While Parra has a bit of a proven track record, Robinson’s draw is his potential. Standing 6’2”, the 23-year-old defender can bring athleticism to the backline. Another tool he brings is a long throw-in, which Wynalda states in the club’s release, “I’ve never seen anybody throw a ball 60 yards. It’s quite a weapon and we’ll use it.”

Pablo Cruz

Obviously, the first-year Lights manager was positive and confident in each of his new signings. But, Wynalda seems to be especially high on the midfielder from Pasadena, stating, “we’re very lucky to get him. He’s very talented with the ball, he’ll be one of the better players in the league and he’s someone that can change the game.”

Cruz starred in the NASL and brings US Men’s youth national team experience.

The Lights kick off their second year of Soccer Spring Training on February 2nd when they host Toronto FC at Cashman Field. Kick off is set for 2 PM.

Main photo credit: Las Vegas Lights FC