The USL Championship today announced Las Vegas Lights FC forward Khori Bennett had been voted the league’s Player of the Month for June as the 26-year-old forward recorded six goals and one assist to lead the side to an undefeated month as it continued its pursuit of a first postseason berth in club history.
A native of Jamaica, Bennett joined Las Vegas this offseason as part of the club’s roster overhaul under the new leadership of former Major League Baseball All-Star Jose Bautista having spent the past two seasons in USL League One with the Charlotte Independence. The 26-year-old had a breakout month in June as he recorded a league-high six goals in six appearances, averaging a goal every 62.3 minutes while posting a shot conversion rate of 46.2 percent.
“I’m really happy to have won the player of month award,” said Bennett. “It’s a result of the overall team’s success and I look forward to helping the team even more as we push towards goals.”
Bennett is just the second Lights player to claim the Championship’s Player of the Month award in its seven-season history. With the side coming off a historic victory away at Sacramento Republic FC last Wednesday night – the Lights’ first win away at Sacramento all-time – Las Vegas currently sits in the playoff positions entering Friday night’s contest with El Paso Locomotive FC, where it can add to its current seven-game undefeated streak.
“Our club and our staff are excited for Khori to receive the USL Championship’s Player of the Month award,” said Lights Head Coach Dennis Sanchez. “It is a testament to his hard work, belief in himself, and our collective process. Khori has continued to improve throughout the season. We know he will continue to stay hungry and give his best for the team.”
Bennett earned 35 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Championship Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLChampionship.com. Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello finished second on 29 percent after a standout month in which he notched three shutouts in five appearances while recording 24 saves, a save percentage of 85.7 percent and a Goals Prevented mark of -5.54.
USL Championship Player of the Month – June 2024
| Nominee | Fan Vote | Weight | Media Vote | Weight | USL Technical Vote | Weight | Total Vote |
| Khori Bennett (LV) | 2% | 1% | 58% | 14% | 80% | 20% | 35% |
| Danny Vitiello (SAC) | 39% | 20% | 17% | 4% | 20% | 5% | 29% |
| Maxi Rodriguez (DET) | 47% | 24% | 8% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Johnny Rodriguez (OAK) | 12% | 6% | 17% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 10% |
Unbeaten in their last seven matches, The Lights continue a stretch of four consecutive road matches in the month of July – this week traveling to face El Paso Locomotive FC tomorrow, Friday, July 12 (6 p.m. PT / national: ESPN+, local: SSSEN, and on SiriusXM FC CH. 157).
After a month-long stint away throughout July, the Lights will return to Cashman Field on August 10 against Detroit City FC. Tickets to the next home match featuring post-game fireworks are available at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets. Fans can use code FIREWORKS at checkout for $5 off tickets.
