18-year-old midfielder signs first professional contract with the Lights
Las Vegas Lights FC today announced that the Club has signed midfielder Carson Locker, pending league and federation approval.
Locker is under contract with the Lights through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028.
The 18-year-old midfielder made 23 appearances for FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro last season, contributing with three goals and one assist as the Orange and Blue made the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
“We’re delighted to welcome Carson to the Lights,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “He’s certainly an exciting prospect for the club’s future, but the maturity both on and off the field that we’ve seen during preseason as an 18-year-old is outstanding. He’s clearly ready to contribute in this league straight away, and we believe he’s in the right place to continue his development as a young player here in Las Vegas as he signs his first professional contract.”
A product of St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC and the St. Louis City SC youth setups, Locker made his professional debut for the latter’s MLS NEXT Pro side at just 16 years of age, coming on as substitute in a 1-1 draw against North Texas SC.
Locker made 14 appearances for St. Louis City SC 2 throughout 2024, racking up significant minutes (523) despite his young age.
The midfielder joined FC Cincinnati 2 for the 2025 season, doubling his playing time (1,134) in MLS NEXT Pro and making four goal contributions.
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.
