The center back brings over 250 professional appearances and title-winning experience to Vegas
Las Vegas Lights FC today announced the club has signed defender Aaron Guillen, pending league and federation approval.
Guillen is under contract with the Lights through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. He agreed to a mutual contract termination with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Monday, December 8 in order to join Las Vegas as a free agent.
The veteran center back played 90% of all possible minutes in the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, serving as team captain and notably contributing with one goal in a 2-1 home victory over Miami FC on June 14. He has been ever-present for the Rowdies, leaving the club as their all-time minutes leader (17,223) and appearances leader (196) across all competitions.
“We are delighted to welcome Aaron to the Lights,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “It’s increasingly difficult to find high-level, proven left-footed center backs in this league, and after making over 30 appearances for the fifth consecutive season, it’s clear that Aaron can bring that quality every match. Importantly, Aaron is also a tremendous teammate, as evidenced by his long stint captaining the Rowdies. His character and veteran leadership will be a valuable addition to our locker room.”
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico but raised in El Paso, Texas, Guillen is a product of the prestigious FC Dallas Academy, which he joined in 2011. In 2012, he helped the academy’s U-18s win the category’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championship.
Guillen played collegiately for the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles for four years, starting in 67 matches, scoring one goal, and providing four assists. In his first year, he was named to the A-Sun All-Freshman Team and was selected for A-Sun First Team honors in all three following seasons. During his time at FGCU, he also won a Premier Development League Championship with the Austin Astex.
In 2016, Guillen signed a homegrown player contract with FC Dallas, making his MLS debut on March 26 against DC United. He participated in a total of 13 matches for FC Dallas across all competitions in his two seasons with the Frisco side.
Guillen signed for North Carolina FC in 2018. He would make 58 appearances for the team from Cary, playing for more than 5,000 minutes across two seasons.
In 2020, Aaron Guillen joined Tampa Bay Rowdies and helped them win their first Eastern Conference title, playing every minute in the regular season and playoffs, the only outfield player for the Rowdies to do so. He then won the Players’ Shield (regular season title) in 2021, with Guillen making 31 appearances and playing more than 3,000 minutes. He also contributed with one goal in a 3-1 victory over Loudoun United on July 24.
Guillen would become the main team captain in the 2022 season, cementing his role as team leader for years to come. That year, Tampa made it to the Eastern Conference Final, and Guillen was named to the 2022 All-League First Team.
In total, he participated in 196 matches for Tampa Bay across all competitions, contributing with two goals and four assists. He played a staggering 17,223 minutes during his stint with Tampa, a club record in their modern era. He also departs tied atop the all-time appearance leader charts for the Rowdies alongside Leo Fernandes.
