Smart’s beautiful assist for Nighte Pickering’s match-winner earned the Lights three valuable points vs. AV Alta for Round 2 of the Jägermeister Cup group stage.
Las Vegas Lights FC defender Shawn Smart was named to the USL Jägermeister Cup Team of the Round for Round 2 on Tuesday morning.
Smart earned his spot on the Round 2 Team of the Week after a top performance against AV Alta, leading the match in tackles (4) and giving out a key assist to secure three key points for the Lights in the pursuit of knockout stage qualification.
The peak of Smart’s match was his 73rd minute assist, when his long pass found a perfectly located Nighte Pickering who would chip his defender and then slot it in the net with a powerful half-volley.
The 21-year-old defender from Apopka, Florida is currently playing in his second season for the Lights. He joined Las Vegas in 2024 immediately after winning the College Cup in his sophomore year with Clemson University. He has made 44 appearances across all competitions and contributed with three goals and two assists.
The Lights will return to Cashman Field on Saturday June 14, playing against Monterey Bay FC at 7:30 pm. Grab your tickets at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
Full USL Jägermeister Cup Team of the Round – Round 2:
GK – Gunther Rankenburg, Greenville Triumph SC
D – Shawn Smart, Las Vegas Lights FC
D – David Garcia, Spokane Velocity FC
D – Morey Doner, Oakland Roots SC
M – Ilijah Paul, Monterey Bay FC
M – Jay Tee Kamara, Portland Hearts of Pine
M – Samuel Careaga, Hartford Athletic
M – Hope Avayevu, Phoenix Rising FC
F – JC Obregon Jr., Westchester SC
F – Christian Chaney, Charlotte Independence
F – Francisco Bonfiglio, Miami FC
Coach – Bobby Murphy, Portland Hearts of Pine
Bench – Jared Mazzola (SAC), Josh Ramos (CHA), Lee Desmond (SAC), Diego Mercado (MIA), Abdellatif Aboukoura (LDN), Natty James (POR), Adam Larsson (MB)