Lights midfielder Matt Thomas named to USL’s Team of the Week

By Ben Gotz

Las Vegas Review-Journal

6 years ago

Las Vegas Lights FC Marcelo Thomas Matt (21) kicks the ball with pressure from Montreal Impact’s Chris Duvall (18) during the exhibition match at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. Montreal won 2-0. Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-Journal @Erik_Verduzco

A fast left foot is paying dividends for Lights FC midfielder Matt Thomas early this season.

The Las Vegan scored 70 seconds into the team’s first game Saturday at Fresno FC, setting a United Soccer League record for the fastest goal by an expansion team. The early goal set the tone for the Lights’ 3-2 win, and as a reward for his efforts, the former Palo Verde High School standout was named to the USL’s Team of the Week on Tuesday.

“It’s crazy,” Thomas said of scoring the team’s first goal. “I couldn’t have written it better myself if I had a chance to.”

.@Kharltonbelmar leads Week 1's Team of the Week with two goals and two assists in @swoperangers' win over @Reno1868FC on Saturday.

Full Team of the Week ↓https://t.co/sNZUk1qL3y

— USL (@USL) March 20, 2018

Thomas wasn’t the only Lights player to receive recognition from the league, as goalkeeper Ricardo Ferrino is one of five finalists for save of the week. Fans can vote on the winner at uslsoccer.com until 9 a.m. Thursday.

Ferrino made a diving save to his right against Fresno to stop a header off a corner kick from going in.

“(Ferrino) did a wonderful job,” Lights midfielder Carlos Alvarez said.

Five unreal saves, but only one will take home Week 1's crown.

Who has your vote for #USL Save of the Week?

VOTE → https://t.co/tec54JU26z pic.twitter.com/6jzYLajYki

— USL (@USL) March 20, 2018

Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BenSGotz on Twitter.