April 5, 2021 (Las Vegas, NV) — Lights FC announced today its initial roster signings for the 2021 season featuring players from a range of experiences, including former Major League Soccer SuperDraft picks, USL Championship veterans, youth national team and international leagues. Listed below is the initial set of player announcements with additional players to be announced in the coming weeks.
Danny Crisostomo (Midfielder):
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Played for United Soccer League’s Orange County S.C. in 2019 & 2020, where he played against Lights FC.
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Graduated from UC-Irvine where he earned multiple recognitions, including Big West Midfielder of the Year and All-Big West First Team.
Frank Daroma (Midfielder):
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An international player from Sierra Leone, he most recently played at Cal State University – San Bernardino where he earned multiple accolades including United Soccer Coaches All-Region 1st team & All-American status.
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Elected to turn professional prior to completion of his collegiate career to join Lights FC.
Phillip Ejimadu (Goalkeeper):
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Attended an U.S. Under-20 Youth National Team training camp in 2018, he is eligible to represent Brazil (his father’s home country), Nigeria (his mother’s home country) or the United States (born in Minneapolis, Minnesota) on the full international level.
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Played in youth academies in Brazil as a teenager before returning to the U.S. to sign his first professional contract with Los Angeles FC in 2019 where he has been loaned to League One FC Tucson (where he earned USL League One “Save of the Year”) in 2019 and USL Championship San Diego Loyal in 2020.
Eric Illoski (Defender):
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Selected by Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, after a successful collegiate career at UCLA.
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Becomes the third member of his family to play professional soccer joining his two brothers (both who have played in USL Championship).
Roberto Molina (Forward):
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Originally from El Salvador, he has played the last two years at University of California – Irvine where he earned All-Big West Freshman Team accolades.
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Elected to turn professional prior to completion of his collegiate career to join Lights FC.
Duncan Turnbull (Goalkeeper):
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Previously drafted by Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo but opted instead to sign his first professional contract with England’s Portsmouth F.C. where he has subsequently been signed by Lights FC via a loan agreement for the start of the 2021 season.
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Former University of Notre Dame goalkeeper becomes the tallest Lights FC player in club history at 6’ 7”.
Michael Yeboah (Midfielder):
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Born and raised in Ghana, Yeboah is moving to the United States to continue his professional career which started in the Ghanaian Premier League last season.
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Acquired by Lights FC via a loan agreement with his former club.
Chinenye Chidera (“CC”) Uche (Defender):
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Played NCAA Division One soccer for both Duke University (2016-17) and The Ohio State University (2018-19).
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Born in New York City (Queens), he was recently selected in the 2nd Round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
Nathan Sepulveda (Midfielder):
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A highly recruited high school player, he is electing to begin his professional career now instead of accepting a multitude of NCAA Division One offers.
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At 18 years old, he becomes the youngest player in club history to sign with Lights FC.
Lights FC’s 2021 season starts on May 5th with four road matches. Its first home match at Cashman Field is set for Saturday, June 5th against Tacoma Defiance.
Below are additional Lights FC news & notes from last week…:
Blake Frischknecht: In addition, Lights FC announced today that Blake Frischknecht has been released by mutual agreement from his player contract for the 2021 season to allow him to pursue another professional soccer opportunity. Frischknecht began his professional career last season with Lights FC where he appeared in 13 matches (one start) scoring three goals.
Pre-Season Match Against Los Angeles FC: Lights FC kicked off its pre-season schedule on Saturday with a 1-0 loss to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium. Due to Covid-19 protocols, the match was played behind closed doors without fans. Lights FC pre-season continues this week with a match-up this Saturday versus Cal United FC.
Lights FC Season Tickets On Sale Now: Fans can still purchase season tickets for as low as $200. All season tickets utilize a “flex dates” model to provide fans with the ultimate flexibility to attend only those matches they choose to do so. In addition, season ticket members will receive priority access to attend Lights FC matches in the event government & health officials instill local restrictions on stadium capacity. More information is available at LightsFC.com/Tickets.
Acerca de Las Vegas Lights FC:
Fundado en 2017, el Lights FC llevó el fútbol profesional a la Capital Mundial del Entretenimiento. Miembro de la United Soccer League Championship, la liga profesional de segunda división de Estados Unidos, el Lights FC cuenta con una media de cerca de 8.000 aficionados por partido jugando en el centro de Las Vegas, en el histórico Cashman Field. Nombrado por Sports Illustrated "Equipo más interesante del mundo", el club es conocido por su experiencia única el día del partido y recientemente ha sido votado "Mejor valor deportivo" de Las Vegas. Más información en LightsFC.com.
CONTACTO:
All Media Inquiries should be direct to: Communications@www.lasvegaslightsfc.com