22-year-old former Portland Timbers 2 outside back joins the Lights on a free transfer
Las Vegas Lights FC today announced the Club has signed defender Blake Pope to a contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027, pending league and federation approval.
Pope made 27 appearances for Portland Timbers 2 throughout the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, leading the team in minutes played with 2,193.
“We’re very happy to welcome Blake to the Lights, a player who we believe is ready to take the next step in his career,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “He has proven himself at the MLS NEXT Pro level, racking up more than 7,000 minutes played in both defensive and attacking roles. His athleticism and versatility on the pitch will be very valuable for us as we continue to build out the roster ahead of the 2026 season.”
A product of the DC United, FC Dallas, and Charlotte Independence youth setups, Pope made his professional debut for the Independence’s first team on May 1, 2021, coming on as a substitute in Charlotte’s 3-0 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Pope made ten appearances for The Jacks, contributing with three assists to help the club reach the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2021.
A Prosper, Texas native, Pope moved closer to home in 2022, joining North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro. He played 24 matches for FC Dallas’ reserve team, tallying one assist as the side went on to reach the Western Conference semifinals.
In 2023, he joined Portland Timbers 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. In his three-year stint with the Rose City side, Pope made 79 appearances, scored seven goals, and gave out seven assists. Beyond goal contributions, Pope also led the team in chances created (24) in 2023 and in interceptions per 90 (2.1) in 2025, demonstrating his versatility across attacking and defensive roles.
His good performances for the Timbers’ second team earned him a call-up to the first team’s U.S. Open Cup matchup against Tacoma Defiance on May 6, 2025.
Las Vegas will kick off the 2026 home schedule on Saturday, March 28 against Monterey Bay FC. Tickets are available now at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
