Former United States international Joe Gyau joined by Riki Alba, Austin Wormell as latest additions to squad
LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Lights FC announced today the club had signed former United States Men’s National Team player Joe Gyau, Dominican Republic international Riki Alba, and goalkeeper Austin Wormell ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.
Gyau joins the Lights having most recently competed for Swedish club Degerfors, where he made 48 appearances in the top-flight Allsvenskan over the past two seasons. The 31-year-old had previously competed for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, where he made 50 appearances across three seasons. A native of Tampa, Fla., Gyau made three appearances for the United States at the senior level, most recently in 2019 against Jamaica. He had previously competed in the USYNT ranks at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 level.
“Joe has shown over his past two seasons in Sweden’s top-flight what he has to offer and we’re delighted to bring him aboard,” said Las Vegas Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “His experience and on-field quality will be a valuable asset for our squad throughout the upcoming campaign.”
Alba brings extensive experience from Scandinavia to the Lights, having competed in Norway and Sweden during his professional career. A native of Oslo, he most recently competed for Fredrikstad FK, where he recorded 34 goals and 12 assists in 112 appearances across all competitions. Alba helped Fredrikstad FK earn promotion to the top-flight Eliteserien in 2023, recording six goals in 22 appearances for the side as it finished on top of the league standings.
In addition to his club career, Alba has also recorded two goals in four appearances for the Dominican Republic at the international level. The 28-year-old received his first international call-up last October and found the net in a pair of victories against Barbados. He is now set to be part of the squad moving forward as it prepares for the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League this fall.
“Riki is a player we are excited to bring to the Lights,” said Neglia. “His speed on the ball and eye for goal have been evident throughout his career, and he has the versatility to play either as a center forward or on the left flank.”
Wormell arrives in Las Vegas from FC Tulsa, where he made 41 appearances across the past three seasons in the USL Championship. The 25-year-old recorded 137 saves with a save percentage of 70.2 percent while notching eight shutouts and a -0.58 Goals Prevented mark. A native of Tulsa, Okla., Wormell competed collegiately at Oregon State University and Rogers State University before turning pro in 2021 with his hometown club.
Las Vegas Lights FC will kick off the new campaign on Saturday, March 9 when it visits Memphis 901 FC before its home opener against FC Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 at Cashman Field.
Click here to see the Lights’ full 2024 schedule.
