Rodriguez and Nigro’s sublime performances helped the Lights earn three points at home and end a six-match winless streak.
Las Vegas Lights FC forward Johnny Rodriguez and defender Gennaro Nigro were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 15 on Tuesday morning.
Rodriguez earned his spot as a starter on the Team of the Week after bagging a brace in the Lights’ 2-0 victory over Monterey Bay FC in Cashman Field. Meanwhile, Nigro gave out an assist and generated three chances for the Lights to be selected for the Team of the Week bench.
It was not going to be an easy night for the Lights against Monterey Bay, as the team had only scored one goal in six matches and were set to face arguably the best goalkeeper in the Championship: Nico Campuzano.
But Johnny Rodriguez was inspired and wanted to leave his mark on the scoresheet. In the 60th minute, Patrick Leal ran from his own half of the pitch to the edge of the box, releasing the ball to a somewhat ill-positioned Rodriguez, who would take an unorthodox shot from a close angle. Fortunately, his shot was deflected by an opposing defender, causing the ball to float over Campuzano to make things 1-0 for the Lights.
The Lights would double the lead only five minutes later. Gennaro Nigro’s perfect set piece delivery found a loosely-marked Johnny Rodriguez, who would head his way into a brace to seal the victory for the Lights.
Johnny Rodriguez is playing in his first season for the Lights. He played for Oakland Roots from 2021 to 2024, becoming the team’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals in 118 matches. Since joining the Lights earlier this year, Rodriguez has played 16 matches across all competitions, contributing with six goals.
Gennaro Nigro is in his second season with the Lights. Nigro has played a total of 49 matches across all competitions with the club, contributing with five assists. Four of those assists have taken place in the current USL Championship season.
The Lights will return to Cashman Field on Saturday June 28, playing against Spokane Velocity FC for the USL Jägermeister Cup at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available now at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
Full USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 15
GK – Patrick Rakovsky, Phoenix Rising FC
D – Arthur Rogers, FC Tulsa
D – Ben Ofeimu, Indy Eleven
D – Houssou Landry, Charleston Battery
M – Abdellatif Aboukoura, Loudoun United FC
M – Maxi Rodriguez, Rhode Island FC
M – Taylor Davila, Louisville City FC
M – Lewis Hilton, Tampa Bay Rowdies
F – Johnny Rodriguez, Las Vegas Lights FC
F – Phillip Goodrum, Louisville City FC
F – Ethan Zubak, Orange County SC
Coach – Terry Boss, Lexington SC
Bench – Christian Herrera (COS), Ascel Essengue (PHX), Matt Mahoney (COS), Gennaro Nigro (LV), Xavier Zengue (LEX), MD Myers (CHS), Zach Ryan (LDN)