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A big presence in the front of the attack is joining the Las Vegas Lights FC roster, as former No. 1 overall MLS SuperDraft pick Omar Salgado is set to come aboard on loan from El Paso USL.
On Wednesday, Salgado – an El Paso, Texas, native – was announced as the first signee in the history of the expansion club, which will begin play in the United Soccer League in 2019. He comes to Las Vegas on loan for the remainder of the 2018 season, and will be eligible to play for the club following the July 10 opening of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Summer Transfer Window.
He is the second former No. 1 overall MLS SuperDraft pick to join Lights FC this season, along with midfielder Freddy Adu, who scored his first goal with the club on June 2 in a 4-1 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. They’re joined by the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Carlos Alvarez, who currently leads Lights FC in goals (4) and assists (3) this season.
“Omar is a very talented player, both in the pitch and outside the pitch – Physically, technically, tactically, with very good concepts and experience,” Lights FC Technical Director Chelís said. “He knows how to take advantage of his physicality and is versatile – he can play two or three positions.
“Outside of the pitch, his profile fits very well with our philosophy, because he has big dreams, he is a bridge between the Mexican and American styles, because he has grown in this culture and he knows American football. I’m sure fans will enjoy watching him in the pitch. He is not a common player.”
As for the rest of the 2018 season, Salgado brings depth to the front of Lights FC’s surging offensive attack, along with Mexican striker Daniel Guzmán Jr., who signed last month and is also is able to play for the club after July 10.
Salgado left El Paso at the age of 15 to join LigaMX giant Chivas, where he scored seven goals in 10 appearances and was named Player of the Tournament in South America’s U-17 Copa Liberatores competition. He then left Chivas to accept a call-up to the United States U-20 men’s national team, and has also represented the U.S. at the U-17, U-18 and U-23 levels.
As a professional in the U.S., he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC after training with English Premier League clubs Everton FC and Fulham FC. He’s also spent time as a professional with Tigres UANL of LigaMX
Salgado will begin training full-time this week with Lights FC, who is in the midst of a crucial 2-match week, culminating Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Cashman Field, when the club welcomes in Seattle Sounders 2. Tickets for Saturday’s match are available, starting at just $15, at LightsFC.com.
