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As Las Vegas Lights FC continues to add roster reinforcements in the middle of its first United Soccer League season, another young talent with a diverse background now comes aboard.
On loan from Puebla FC of Liga MX, 21-year-old defender Joseph Patrick Perez joins the club as its fourth midseason transfer following the opening of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s summer transfer window.
From Anaheim, Calif., Perez joins fellow defender Rodrigo Iñigo and forwards Omar Salgado and Daniel Guzmán Jr. as new members of the Lights FC roster to join the club on loan. All four will be eligible to play Saturday night, when Lights FC travels to face Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at 5:30 p.m. in a match airing locally on myLVTV and streaming nationwide on ESPN+.
Given his ties to Puebla FC – the former club of Lights FC Technical Director Chelís and Head Coach Isidro Sánchez – it should make for a solid match for both sides.
“He is a player from my hometown team, and I have been tracking the U-20 and second division clubs of Puebla FC for two years, which is how I know Joseph,” Sánchez said. “He is very strong, can create excellent headers, and the thing I like the most is that he is a hard worker who never stops fighting. He has a very bright future with Puebla FC and in Liga MX.”
After graduating from Loara High School in Anaheim, Perez signed with Puebla FC, where he has gained valuable experience over the last three years playing for the club’s U-20 side.
After arriving to town, he attended his first match at Cashman Field on Saturday, July 7, when the team won its third consecutive home game, 1-0 over Saint Louis FC. Now, he’s excited to be in uniform when the club returns home on Saturday, August 4, at 8 p.m. in the return match against Rio Grande Valley.
“You’ll see my sweat on my jersey – I play my heart out, and I will do that for Las Vegas Lights FC,” Perez said. “I’m going to give my all for my teammates and for the fans. This is an outstanding team, and the unity within this group is incredible. I’m going to give my all just for the better of the team.”
