2023 Las Vegas Lights FC season
| 2023 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Owner | Brett Lashbrook | ||
| Head coach | Isidro Sánchez | ||
| Stadium | Cashman Field | ||
| USL | Western Conference: 12th | ||
| USL Cup Playoffs | DNQ | ||
| U.S. Open Cup | Round of 32 | ||
|
| |||
The 2023 Las Vegas Lights FC season was the club's sixth season, and their sixth season in the United Soccer League Championship (USLC), the second division of American soccer.
During the offseason, the Lights underwent a coaching change after letting go of head coach Enrique Duran, hiring Isidro Sánchez,[1] who previously coached the Lights during their inaugural season in 2018.[2]
Squad
Roster
- As of June 20, 2023[3]
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | GK | USA | Marco Zuniga ([A]) |
| 1 | GK | ARG | Leo Diaz (on loan from River Plate) |
| 2 | MF | GER | Pablo Soares |
| 3 | DF | USA | Zach Carroll |
| 4 | DF | USA | Lucas Stauffer |
| 5 | DF | USA | Marcelo Lage |
| 6 | MF | SLV | Alexander Romero ([A]) |
| 7 | DF | USA | Issa Rayyan |
| 9 | FW | MEX | Pato Botello Faz |
| 10 | MF | USA | Justin Ingram |
| 11 | MF | USA | Azriel Gonzalez |
| 12 | FW | USA | Tyler Bagley |
| 13 | GK | USA | Andre Zuluaga |
| 14 | FW | ENG | Josh Dolling (on loan from New Mexico United) |
| 17 | MF | USA | Jacob Bushue |
| 19 | MF | SLV | Danny Ríos (on loan from Houston Dynamo) |
| 20 | MF | GHA | Eric Oteng |
| 22 | MF | USA | Andrés Jiménez |
| 23 | MF | USA | Leo Rodriguez ([A]) |
| 29 | DF | VEN | Alejandro Mitrano |
| 30 | FW | USA | Andrew Carleton |
| 33 | DF | GHA | Jordan Ayimbila |
| 45 | MF | ARG | Emmanuel Ledesma |
| 56 | DF | USA | Mauricio Camanera ([A]) |
| 58 | DF | USA | Aldo Carmona ([A]) |
| 88 | MF | USA | Anwar Ben Rhouma Torres ([A]) |
| 98 | DF | SUI | Timothie Zali (on loan from New Mexico United) |
- ^ On a USL Academy contract
Staff
| Title | Name | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Brett Lashbrook | United States |
| Head coach | Isidro Sánchez | Canada |
| Assistant coach | Juan Carlos García | Mexico |
| Performance coach | Julian Portugal | Mexico |
| Goalkeeping coach | Romi Gomez | Cuba |
Competitions
USL Championship
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | New Mexico United | 34 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 51 | 49 | +2 | 46 | Playoffs |
| 9 | Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | 34 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 43 | 48 | −5 | 43 | |
| 10 | Oakland Roots SC | 34 | 11 | 14 | 9 | 45 | 48 | −3 | 42 | |
| 11 | Monterey Bay FC | 34 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 42 | 53 | −11 | 41 | |
| 12 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 34 | 3 | 21 | 10 | 36 | 66 | −30 | 19 |
Source: USL Championship Standings
Rules for classification: 1) head-to-head points; 2) head-to-head goal differential; 3) points-per game within conference; 4) total wins; 5) total goal differential; 6) total goals scored; 7) points earned against top four Conference finishers; 8) disciplinary points; 9) coin toss or drawing of lots
Rules for classification: 1) head-to-head points; 2) head-to-head goal differential; 3) points-per game within conference; 4) total wins; 5) total goal differential; 6) total goals scored; 7) points earned against top four Conference finishers; 8) disciplinary points; 9) coin toss or drawing of lots
Match results
On January 9, 2023, the Las Vegas Lights released their regular season schedule, with seventeen home games and seventeen away games for a 34-match season.[4]
All times are in Pacific Standard Time.
March
| March 12 1 | Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | 1–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Edinburg, Texas |
| 5:00 PM | Report | Stadium: H-E-B Park Attendance: 6,952 Referee: Matthew Corrigan |
| March 25 2 | Orange County SC | 2–2 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Irvine, California |
| 7:00 PM |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Championship Soccer Stadium Attendance: 3,959 Referee: Alexis Da Silva |
April
| April 1 3 | Indy Eleven | 0–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 4:00 PM | Report | Stadium: Michael A. Carroll Stadium Attendance: 9,091 Referee: Calin Radosav |
| April 15 4 | Memphis 901 FC | 2–2 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Memphis, Tennessee |
| 5:00 PM | Report | Stadium: AutoZone Park Attendance: 3,734 Referee: Adam Kilpatrick |
| April 23 5 | Miami FC | 4–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Miami, Florida |
| 1:00 PM | Report |
|
Stadium: FIU Stadium Attendance: 1,713 Referee: Olvin Oliva |
| April 29 6 | San Antonio FC | 1–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | San Antonio, Texas |
| 5:30 PM |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Toyota Field Attendance: 7,526 Referee: Elijio Arreguin |
May
| May 5 7 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–1 | Charleston Battery | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Williams 59' (pen.) | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: Malik Badawi |
| May 7 8 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–2 | San Antonio FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 3:00 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: John Griggs |
| May 13 9 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–1 | FC Tulsa | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: John Griggs |
| May 20 10 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | 4–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| 4:00 PM | Report |
|
Stadium: Highmark Stadium Attendance: 5,184 Referee: Austin Saini |
| May 26 11 | Phoenix Rising FC | 0–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Phoenix, Arizona |
| 7:30 PM | Report |
|
Stadium: Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium Attendance: 5,184 Referee: Gerald Flores |
June
| June 10 12 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–2 | Monterey Bay FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 2,300 Referee: Nabil Bensalah |
| June 14 13 | El Paso Locomotive FC | 2–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | El Paso, Texas |
| 6:00 PM | Report |
|
Stadium: Southwest University Park Attendance: 6,155 Referee: Elijio Arreguin |
| June 17 14 | Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | 2–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| 6:00 PM | Report | Stadium: Weidner Field Attendance: 8,023 Referee: Alejo Calume |
| June 24 15 | Louisville City FC | 1–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Louisville, Kentucky |
| 5:00 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium Attendance: 10,653 Referee: Melvin Rivas |
July
| July 1 16 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–2 | Monterey Bay FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 2,598 Referee: Corbyn May |
| July 4 17 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 2–2 | New Mexico United | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 6:00 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 1,644 Referee: Gerald Flores |
| July 8 18 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 3–3 | Birmingham Legion FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 1,856 Referee: Brad Jensen |
| July 22 19 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–2 | Hartford Athletic | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 1,415 Referee: Joshua Encarnación |
| July 26 20 | Oakland Roots SC | 1–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Hayward, California |
| 7:00 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Pioneer Stadium Attendance: 2,356 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
| July 29 21 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–2 | Sacramento Republic FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Carleton 45'+1' (pen.) | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 1,931 Referee: Chris Ruska |
August
| August 5 22 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 2–1 | Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Tabortetaka 23', 37' | Report |
|
Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 1,169 Referee: Brandon Stevis |
| August 12 23 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–3 | Loudoun United FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 2,819 Referee: Lorenzo Hernandez |
| August 19 24 | Detroit City FC | 1–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Hamtramck, Michigan |
| 4:30 PM |
|
Report | Stadium: Keyworth Stadium Attendance: 7,181 Referee: Olvin Oliva |
| August 26 25 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–3 | Phoenix Rising FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Rios 45'+3', 61' | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 2,720 Referee: Thomas Snyder |
| August 30 26 | New Mexico United | 3–3 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| 6:00 PM | Report | Stadium: Isotopes Park Attendance: 6,102 Referee: Austin Saini |
September
| September 2 27 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 1–5 | Orange County SC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Rios 69' | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: John Matto |
| September 9 28 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 3–1 | Oakland Roots SC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: Danielle Chesky |
| September 13 29 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–1 | El Paso Locomotive FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report |
|
Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: Kevin Broadley |
| September 16 30 | Monterey Bay FC | 3–2 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Seaside, California |
| 7:00 PM | Report | Stadium: Cardinale Stadium Attendance: 4,617 Referee: Corbyn May |
| September 24 31 | San Diego Loyal SC | 1–1 | Las Vegas Lights FC | San Diego, California |
| 3:00 PM |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Torero Stadium Attendance: 5,107 Referee: Deshun Beard |
October
| October 1 32 | Sacramento Republic FC | 2–0 | Las Vegas Lights FC | Sacramento, California |
| 4:00 PM | Report | Stadium: Heart Health Park Attendance: 11,569 Referee: Melvin Rivas |
| October 7 33 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 2–3 | Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: Austin Saini |
| October 14 34 | Las Vegas Lights FC | 0–2 | San Diego Loyal SC | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:30 PM | Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Referee: Alex Billeter |
U.S. Open Cup
As a member of the USL Championship, the Las Vegas Lights entered the U.S. Open Cup in the Second Round, matched up against third-division side Los Angeles Force of the National Independent Soccer Association.[5] After cruising to a 4–0 win at home,[6] the Lights were matched up with top-division club Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.[7] Despite being able to hold onto a 0–0 scoreline to bring the match into added extra time, the Lights ultimately lost 1–3 to Salt Lake.[8]
| April 5 | Las Vegas Lights FC (USLC) | 4–0 | Los Angeles Force (NISA) | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:00 PM PDT | Report | Stadium: Peter Johann Soccer Field Attendance: 287 Referee: Brad Jensen |
| April 26 | Las Vegas Lights FC (USLC) | 1–3 (a.e.t.) | Real Salt Lake (MLS) | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 7:00 PM PDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Cashman Field Attendance: 300 Referee: Brandon Gardner |
References
- ^ USLChampionship Staff (January 25, 2023). "Las Vegas appoints Isidro Sanchez as new Head Coach". USL Championship. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ Hill, Adam Hill (October 15, 2018). "Las Vegas Lights FC fire coach Isidro Sanchez". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ "Lights FC New Roster Signings". Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ Cruz, Martha (January 9, 2023). "Las Vegas Lights announce full 2023 soccer season schedule". KSNV. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ "Second round Pairings and Host Scenarios Set for 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Flemings, Rich (April 9, 2023). "2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Las Vegas Lights cruise into Round 3 with 4-0 win vs. LA Force". Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ "POTS SET FOR 2023 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW". USSoccer.com. U.S. Open Cup. April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ Walker, Sean (April 30, 2023). "2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Real Salt Lake lights up extra time to win in Las Vegas". Retrieved September 3, 2025.