Minnesota United today announced that the club has exercised the 2018 contract option on rookie defender Carter Manley and loaned him to Las Vegas Lights FC of the United Soccer League (USL).

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MLS has entered into a Loan Agreement for Manley. This agreement contains a right of recall for MLS, which enables Manley to play for Las Vegas and MNUFC throughout the duration of the loan period, subject to roster rules and compliance.

“I’ve long said we need our young players and draft picks to get good, competitive minutes,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “Carter is someone who has gotten some quality minutes this season in MLS, but he needs to play regularly in meaningful games and we think this provides him the opportunity to do so.”

Manley, 22, was selected 23rd overall by MNUFC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft from Duke University. Over his career as a three-year starter with the Blue Devils, he played in 58 games –— starting 52 times –– adding a goal and 12 assists as an attack-minded outside back.

He made his professional debut as a starter with the Loons against New York Red Bulls on March 24 and notched his first point at Portland Timbers on April 14, assisting Darwin Quintero’s first goal with the club. Most recently, he entered as a substitute against FC Dallas on June 29. In total, Manley has featured on seven occasions in league play, starting four times.

Minnesota United’s next home match is on Saturday, August 4 against Seattle Sounders FC at 7:00 p.m. With 14,500 season ticket holders for 2018, MNUFC has started a 2019 waiting list for season tickets at Allianz Field. Get on the list today with mini plans starting at five matches for this season, now available at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.

Transaction: Minnesota United FC has loaned defender Carter Manley to Las Vegas Lights FC of the United Soccer League (USL) on a Loan Agreement. This agreement contains a right of recall for MLS, which enables Manley to play for Las Vegas and MNUFC throughout the duration of the loan period, subject to roster rules and compliance.

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Carter Manley

Position: Defender

Born: 04.29.96 (22 years old)

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 170 lbs.

Last Club: Duke University

Hometown: Elkridge, Maryland

Birthplace: Elkridge, Maryland

Citizenship: U.S.