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The latest piece to come on board as Las Vegas Lights FC continues to tweak its roster in the final third of its inaugural season may be the perfect fit at just the right time.
Midfielder Rafael Garcia spent five years (2012-17) with Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, proving along the way to be a key asset both on and off of the pitch. A 2-time MLS Cup champion (2012 & 2014), Garcia signed with Lights FC just before a three-games-in-eight-days stretch, beginning on Saturday, Aug. 11, with a road match at Saint Louis FC.
Proving he was ready to contribute right away, Garcia played all 270 minutes in those three games to begin his time with the USL expansion club.
Now, with the team still sitting within range of the Top 8 in the USL Western Conference in the chase for a playoff spot come October, Garcia is hoping to continue to lead by example with his new club.
As he continues to adjust, Garcia took some time to talk about his first experiences with Lights FC, what made the opportunity to play in Las Vegas so appealing and much more.
Q: Saturday night against Phoenix Rising FC was your first experience playing in Downtown Las Vegas at Cashman Field. What did you make of that first taste of pro soccer in Las Vegas?
A: “It was a great atmosphere. You certainly felt like you were at home. From what I hear, our fans have been great the whole season. For me, it was special to get in that first game in my new home. Obviously, it was a little bittersweet not getting that victory, but believe me when I tell you that we’re doing everything we can as a team to get things right and make a push to make the playoffs.”
Q: What made the opportunity to join this club mid-season and play in Las Vegas so appealing to you?
A: “I think for myself, the biggest thing is I see a group of players who are hungry. I think I add some stability and leadership to the mix, too. It’s all coming together slowly, game by game. I think the most important game of the season is this Saturday (at 8 p.m. at Cashman Field vs. Fresno FC). We win that, then hopefully get a result on the road at Reno (next Tuesday night), and things start coming together. For me, it was really simple – I came to a team that is certainly in contention to make the playoffs, and I hope to bring my little bit to the mix and we make a run after this.”
Q: Obviously, you have an impressive résumé as a player. What do you think, with your experience, you bring to this team mid-season that is of the most value? How does your experience translate to a team like this?
A: “I think most importantly, the experience that I bring can certainly help. I try to be a good teammate in every aspect, try to help the younger guys, and kind of lead by example. That’s always been my trademark. I try to bring my professionalism to the pitch every day. Everyone here has been great, the attitude has been excellent, now we have to keep working to piece everything together, so we can try and make the playoffs.”
Q: Now a couple of weeks and three games in, playing for a first-year club in a city like Las Vegas, which has never had a pro soccer team at this level, has it been what you expected so far?
A: “There’s always the glitz and glamour (of Las Vegas), right? But it’s an interesting project. For me, coming to play on a team where I knew a lot of the guys from previous teams, it’s a win-win. I’m from Los Angeles, so it keeps me close to home, as well. Everything lined up, and just came together. With that being said, I keep repeating that the biggest game of the year is Saturday, we’ve got to get the win there, and hopefully everything starts to fall into place.”
Q: Which players on the club do you have the strongest background with?
A: “Obviously, myself and (midfielder) Raul Mendiola, we go back a few years. He’s someone I’m very close to. I saw him grow up through the Galaxy Academy. Him being here on this team, that certainly was one reason why I came to play here.”
Q: What type of message do you think it sends to the rest of your teammates here that you showed up and were immediately able to contribute 270 minutes played over three matches in an 8-day stretch? Is that the type of ‘leading by example’ you’re referring to?
A: “Listen, when you show up, you have to be ready. The coaching staff had confidence in me to play those minutes. I brought my energy and did what I could, but you have to be ready when you’re called, whether it’s for five minutes or 90 minutes. Your mentality has to be that you’re ready to go, and your opportunities come when you least expect them. Maybe that sends a message to guys who haven’t gotten opportunities – You’ve always got to be ready.”
