Welcome to The Lights Lounge
The Official Las Vegas Lights FC Podcast
Join us for an episode every week as we analyze, discuss,
and debate everything Lights-related with special guests.
8/21/25 Episode 19: From the Deep South to the Vegas Lights, with Nighte Pickering
For our 19th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is young forward Nighte Pickering.
Will and Nighte break down some of his best goals, including his most recent tally in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at New Mexico United, and talk about what the team needs to do to keep fighting for the playoff spots with 10 matches remaining. Plus, they chat about how Nighte’s journey has taken him from the Deep South, through the FC Dallas Academy, and into the pro game with Memphis 901 FC and Las Vegas Lights FC.
8/14/25 Episode 18: Anthony Herbert’s World Tour from Trinidad to Vegas + New Mexico Rivalry Preview
For our 18th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is brand new center back Anthony Herbert.
Will and Anthony preview the upcoming rivalry game at New Mexico United before discussing his journey that has taken him all over the world: the streets of Trinidad, the snow of Finland, and now the desert of Las Vegas.
8/5/25 Episode 17: A New Beginning, with Devin Rensing
For Episode 17 of The Lights Lounge, our guest is new Head Coach Devin Rensing.
On his first day in charge of the Lights, Will and Devin chat about his trajectory as a coach from college soccer to USL Championship, his soccer philosophy and preferred style of play, and his non-negotiables on the pitch.
7/23/25 Episode 16:
De Arroyos de Mantua a Las Vegas: La historia de vida de Raiko Arozarena (EN ESPAÑOL)
Nuestro invitado del episodio 16 de Lights Lounge es el portero cubano Raiko Arozarena, líder en vallas invictas de la USL Championship.
Charlamos sobre el momento actual del equipo, su infancia en Cuba, el momento en el cual cambió el beisbol por el futbol y el largo camino que lo llevó de un pequeño pueblo cubano a brillar en Las Vegas.
AVISO: Este episodio fue grabado el jueves, 17 de julio.
7/17/25 Episode 15:
From Clemson to Vegas: Shawn Smart’s Journey to Pro Soccer + Orange County Preview
For our 15th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is defender Shawn Smart.
Will and Shawn discuss his Team of the Week, two-goal performance at FC Tulsa, this week’s match at Orange County SC, and his journey from Montverde Academy to the Lights via Clemson.
7/8/25 Episode 14:
A Deep Dive Into the World of Scouting, with Steve De Benedictis
For our 14th episode of The Lights Lounge, Scouting Coordinator Steve De Benedictis joins us to analyze the fundamentals behind the team’s recent winning streak, his day-to-day working for the Lights as a scouting coordinator and analyst, and what he and Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia look for in a player.
This episode was recorded on July 4th, before our match vs. Sacramento Republic.
6/27/25 Episode 13:
The Washington Center Back Factory with Nate Jones + Indy Win Breakdown
For our 13th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is Lights’ center back, Nate Jones.
Will and Nate chat about the team’s recent success under Giovanni Troise along with his own journey to playing time in 2025 while on loan from the Colorado Rapids. Then, they dive into Nate’s journey from little-recruited prospect to the #5 MLS SuperDraft pick while at the University of Washington.
6/18/25 Episode 12:
Soccer, Serbian Style with Stefan Stojanovic + Indy Eleven Preview
For our 12th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is new Lights signing, forward Stefan Stojanovic.
Will and Stefan analyze the Lights’ win over Monterey Bay FC and chat about his upbringing in a very Serbian household, his college soccer era at Saint Louis University and Georgetown, and the pivotal moment in his life when he decided to go pro.
6/4/25 Episode 11:
A Journey from Boston to Europe and Back Again, with Patrick Leal + Perspective on the Team’s Form
For our 11th episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is midfielder Patrick Leal.
Will and Patrick chat about perspective and takeaways from the team’s recent results. Then, they dive deep into Patrick’s journey from Boston to Portugal alongside his twin brother, his Serie A breakthrough with Venezia in Italy, and his return to the United States – all before the age of 21.
5/23/25 Episode 10:
A USL Veteran’s Guide To Soccer in America, with Younes Boudadi + El Paso Locomotive Preview
For our tenth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is defender Younes Boudadi.
Will and Younes chat about what went wrong at Sacramento Republic, what needs to improve this Saturday against El Paso Locomotive, Boudadi’s journey through Club Brugge’s academy setup, his experience representing Morocco at the youth level, and his decision to move to the US to play college soccer.
5/14/25 Episode 9:
From Sliding into the Lights’ DMs to Becoming the Team’s Defensive Linchpin, with Elias Gartig + Sac. Republic Preview
For our ninth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is defender Elias Gartig.
Will and Elias discuss the Lights’ defensive solidity during the start of the season, our upcoming match against Sacramento Republic, his upbringing in a small town in Denmark, and how his arrival in Vegas was meant to be without him knowing it.
5/7/25 Episode 8:
From Grad School To Las Vegas: Jack Singer’s Path To Pro Soccer + Switchbacks Preview
For our eighth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is defender Jack Singer.
Jack and Will chat about the team’s victory against Loudoun United, the upcoming game against Colorado Springs Switchbacks, and his unorthodox journey to professional soccer.
4/29/25 Episode 7:
Futsal, High School Soccer, and Chivas: Christian Pinzon’s Journey to the Pros + OCSC Win Analysis
For our seventh episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is Christian Pinzon.
After scoring the game-winner in the club’s USL Jägermeister Cup debut, Pinzon discusses what went right for the Lights at Orange County on Saturday and what to expect from AV Alta FC on Wednesday at Cashman. Plus, Pinzon dives into his journey from Southern California high school soccer to professional soccer in Las Vegas. On the way, he’s starred in D1 college soccer at Cal State Fullerton, made his first pro stop at his family’s favorite Liga MX team, and found his feet in the USL Championship at Rio Grande Valley FC.
4/24/25 Episode 6:
Borussia Dortmund, the USMNT, and Becoming a Father: Joe Gyau’s Story + Jägermeister Cup Up Next
For our sixth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is Joe Gyau.
Joe and Will discuss what needs to improve for the Lights in the fresh USL Jägermeister Cup opportunity. Plus, they chat about Joe’s journey from Maryland to some of Germany’s top clubs, his time with the USMNT, and how injury and fatherhood have changed his
4/16/25 Episode 5:
Cornell or the Pro Soccer Dream? Lost in Translation with Gennaro Nigro. Plus: Open Cup Preview
For our fifth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is defender Gennaro Nigro.
We talk about the Lights’ strong defensive performances during the start of the season, our upcoming matches vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (U.S. Open Cup) and FC Tulsa (USL Championship), his journey from the New Jersey suburbs to the prestigious AS Roma Academy, and his take on Pro/Rel.
4/8/25 Episode 4:
The Future of Soccer in Las Vegas + Orange County Win Breakdown with Lights CEO Shawn McIntosh
For our fourth episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is Las Vegas Lights FC Chief Executive Officer, Shawn McIntosh.
We chat about last week’s important win at home vs Orange County, his journey from minor league hockey in Virginia to becoming the Lights’ CEO, and what the future holds for the Lights as we enter a new era in the USL Championship’s history.
4/2/25 Episode 3:
From JuCo to Oakland to Vegas: Johnny Rodriguez’ Journey to Pro Soccer + Orange County Preview
For our third episode of The Lights Lounge, our guest is renowned Lights striker Johnny Rodriguez!
We talk about his headline transfer to Las Vegas, his emotional return to Oakland, his journey from junior college to pro soccer, and our next rival: Orange County.
3/25/25 Episode 2:
Born In France, Made In Pittsburgh: The Rise Of Valentin Noël + Oakland Preview
For our second episode of The Lights Lounge, our special guest is none other than Lights midfielder and captain Valentin Noël.
We analyze the team’s next opponent (Oakland Roots), discuss his role as club captain, and explore his unorthodox journey to professional soccer that took him from France to the NCAA ranks with Pitt.
3/19/25 Episode 1:
Tampa Bay, New Mexico Review.
Plus: Transfer Window Insights with Gian Neglia
Our special guest for our debut episode is none other than Las Vegas Lights FC Sporting Director, Gianleonardo Neglia.
We talk about the team’s performance in the first two matchdays of the USL Championship, the “logistics” behind the signing of coveted striker Johnny Rodriguez, and why he so firmly believes in the Lights’ project.
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