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The evolving Las Vegas Lights Football Club (FC) Spring Training roster added two significant names this week, with the first match in club history just over two weeks away.
Lights FC has officially added Joel Huiqui (defender, age 34) and Gerardo Lugo (midfielder, age 33) to its Spring Training player roster that will compete on behalf of the club in the three February exhibition matches versus Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, beginning Feb. 10 at Cashman Field vs. Montreal Impact. Both players have vast experience playing at the highest levels of professional soccer in Mexico, and both have résumés that feature multiple caps with the Mexican National Team.
Lights FC fans can get up-close looks at Huiqui, Lugo and the rest of the current Spring Training roster six days a week at the club’s open-to-the-public training sessions, with times and locations readily available at LightsFC.com/Training. This week’s schedule is highlighted by a 4 p.m. scrimmage taking place on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the UNLV’s Peter Johann Soccer Field.
“This is a clear example of the injustice that exists in our transfer system in Mexico – Both are at their peak of their careers, both were key players for Monarcas Morelia and Cruz Azul,” said Lights FC head coach Chelís. “Today, they are knocking on doors because they are players who love their profession and have the humbleness to do so. They come to Lights FC to help this team succeed with their experience. All of us should feel proud of having them join this club.”
“We are breaking the mold of this league – bringing in two veterans from the Mexican National Team shows a true commitment to creating a spectacular team that all of Las Vegas will be proud of from day one,” Lights FC Owner & CEO Brett Lashbrook said. “Today’s announcement is further testament to the draw of playing for Chelís and in Las Vegas.”
Huiqui is a defender with tremendous size, strength and athleticism. He has 14 career caps for Mexico, including multiple World Cup qualification matches. He earned call-ups to the Mexican National Team by three different coaches. Huiqui’s first international goal came against Germany in 2015 in a friendly match. He also helped Mexico to a 3rd place finish in the 2013 Gold Cup.
At the club level, he played for Cruz Azul of Liga MX from 2004-10, after the club paid 5.4 million euros to Club Pachuca. He then played from 2011-15 to Monarcas Morelia of Liga MX.
Lugo is an attacking midfielder who, on top of everything else, adds tremendous versatility. Lugo earned the first of his four caps with the Mexican National Team in 2012. His vast club experience is highlighted by a 2006-12 run with Cruz Azul, scoring 13 goals in 85 appearances. Lugo also has previous experience playing with Lights FC head coach Chelís, making 33 appearances and scoring five goals from 2010-11 with Puebla FC of Liga MX.
Single game tickets for Lights FC’s first four home matches – the three Soccer Spring Training MLS preseason contests and the March 24th United Soccer League (USL) regular season home opener against in-state rival Reno 1868 FC – are now on sale, starting at just $15. Single game tickets can be purchased by visiting LightsFC.com/SingleTix, 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.
