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Soccer marks third professional sports team to call Las Vegas home

Jackie Valley
Jackie Valley
EconomyLocal Government
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Las Vegas soccer enthusiasts can rejoice: The city is getting a professional team.

A pep rally-like atmosphere welcomed the United Soccer League to Las Vegas on Friday, as the franchise expansion became official and the owner unveiled six possible names for the team that will play its first game early next year. The USL is a lower-division league that’s affiliated with the Major Soccer League.

Loud music, horns and plenty of soccer scarves draped over attendees’ shoulders set the tone for the celebratory event, which brought together USL officials, Gov. Brian Sandoval and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

“I really think it shows Las Vegas is on the map,” Sandoval said after the announcement. “For us to get an NHL franchise, an NFL franchise and now a USL franchise in less than three years, people recognize that Las Vegas is a great city.”

Brett Lashbrook, who owns the Las Vegas franchise expansion team, asks Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman which name she prefers during a United Soccer League press conference inside the Zappos Theater on Friday, Aug. 11. 2017. Photo by Daniel Clark.

For team owner Brett Lashbrook, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream.

For Mayor Carolyn Goodman, it’s the result of an 18-year effort launched by her husband, Oscar, who preceded her in office.

For Southern Nevada residents, it’s another sports entertainment option coming to the region.

“If I fell over and dropped dead right now, I’d drop dead happy,” Carolyn Goodman said.

The city of Las Vegas last month approved a 15-year lease agreement that allows the yet-unnamed USL team to play its home games at Cashman Field. The soccer team will share the facility with the Las Vegas 51s for as long as the minor league baseball team occupies the space.

Lashbrook, whose family invested in the franchise, said the team will begin drafting players in November, with an exhibition game to follow in February and the USL season starting in March. The average ticket price will be $20.

The USL accepted name suggestions and narrowed the list down to the following six options: Viva Vegas, Las Vegas Silver, Las Vegas FC, Las Vegas Lights, Las Vegas Action and Club Vegas.

Fans can visit the team’s website to rank the names and help determine the winner. The team will accept votes through Aug. 28, and the name will be announced the next day.

Lashbrook emphasized that he wants the team to be “additive” to the sport’s existing ecosystem in Las Vegas and provide an authentic soccer experience for fans of all levels.

“If we’re going to do professional soccer here, we’re going to do it right,” he said.

Las Vegas will be the USL’s 33rd market and second in Nevada. The Reno 1868 FC debuted in the league this year.

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