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When looking to bolster their roster a handful of games into the club’s inaugural campaign, Lights FC Technical Director Chelís and Head Coach Isidro Sánchez reaching out to veteran attacking midfielder Eric Avila was no surprise.
Avila has had both successful amateur and professional careers in the United States, from scoring the game-winning goal in the 2006 NCAA National Championship game for UC-Santa Barbara, to more than 200 appearances in MLS and USL combined.
It was a natural match between the two sides, who were last intertwined in 2013 with MLS club Chivas USA.
“We know him – 75, 80 percent of our offensive play at Chivas USA was based in Avila, and with his skills playing along the right sideline,” Sánchez said.
“I had Chelís and Isidro at Chivas, so when they give me a call to come out here and join, there’s no questions, because I know exactly how they want me to play and do things,” Avila added. “Hopefully they can plug me in and I can start off how I left off with them at Chivas.”
The San Diego, Calif., native signed with the club this week and slid right in, starting and playing all 90+ minutes of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup third round match at FC Golden State Force. Knocking off some rust, he still looked at home, working the right sideline on both ends of the field.
His spot along the right side of the attack should remain consistent on a roster which, so far, has seen several players be tested out at different positions while trying to find the right offensive mix.
“If he has a one-on-one situation offensively, he just needs a small gap to get by,” Sánchez said. “He’s very vertical and offensive, is always thinking offensively. He’s continued to improve since three years ago.”
Avila scored three goals in 57 appearances with Chivas USA from 2013-14. On his decorated résumé, he’s also played in MLS for FC Dallas (2008-11), Toronto FC (2011-12) and Orlando City (2015). Most recently, Avila played in USL for the Tampa Bay Rowdies (2016) and Phoenix Rising (2017).
His amateur background also includes time spent with the United States Men’s U-17 and &-20 National Teams.
But despite a deep and diverse background in the game, Avila saw an opportunity in Las Vegas to be a part of something he hadn’t yet experienced.
“I’ve been hearing about this team since Day One – It’s very loud, it’s out there,” Avila said. “Just being here with the team, taking in the atmosphere, I’m excited just to join and be a part of it. The pregame stuff is different, the way they do things is different, practice is different.
“Everyone talking about it around the league, that’s caught my eye. I’ve known Chelís for a while, I know how loud and different he is. This is a good fit for me.”
Early on, the fit appears to be mutual.
Should the benefit end up being mutual, as well, Avila will accomplish his goal of helping Lights FC surge during a key upcoming midseason stretch of USL play. Currently sitting at 2-3-4 (10 points) and just outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference, his goal is to help the club ascend to the postseason in its inaugural campaign, one point at a time.
“I think they all have an understanding of what needs to happen,” Avila said. “It’s been very positive, with a focus on the next game, the next game. We’re still in the middle of the pack. Our goal is to get into the playoffs, and we can worry about our next goal from there.
“For me, to try to make this team as relevant as possible and make the playoffs and do something special is really special to me.”
