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Entering the busiest month of its 2018 schedule, Las Vegas Lights FC has made one more midseason acquisition in an effort to bolster the back line.

Ahead of an August that features six matches – with three at home in Downtown Las Vegas – Lights FC is adding 22-year-old defender Carter Manley, who comes west on loan from Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC.

Manley was the 23rd overall selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, logging 426 minutes over seven appearances – including four starts – so far this season for Minnesota United.

“Manley is a player who really wants to prove himself as a footballer – Even though he has everything in Minnesota, he is in his comfort zone, and he is conscious that coming to Las Vegas is a great opportunity for him to play,” Lights FC Head Coach Isidro Sánchez said. “The most important asset for a footballer is time, and if you let time pass without playing, your probabilities to have success will minimize.”

Manley, originally from Elkridge, Md., earned a call-up to the United States National Team’s U-15 national team camp as an amateur, and eventually went on to star as a 3-year starter at Duke University. There, he thrived as an attack-minded outside back – A strong fit within the vertical, aggressive Lights FC system.

“He is a right back who impressed me because he can run and play the complete length of the field,” Sánchez added. “He is vertical in possession and aggressive with his defense.”

Following last Thursday’s conclusion of a 4-game July road trip, Lights FC returns home for the first of three August home matches on Saturday, August 4, at 8 p.m. against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

The first match day at Cashman Field as part of the month’s “Saturday Night Lights” promotional slate, August 4 will be Backpack Night, with the first 2,000 kids 12-and-under in attendance receiving a free Lights FC backpack, presented by Boston Dental Group. For ticket specials and a full rundown of August “Saturday Night Lights” promotions, visit LightsFC.com/August.