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Rookie Defender Carter Manley Loaned to Las Vegas Lights FC

Manley will be able to play for both Las Vegas and Minnesota.

By Eli Hoff
July 11, 2018 - Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Carter Manley (2) and Deportivo Saprissa midfielder Heiner Mora (6) go up to head the ball during the Minnesota United vs Deportivo Saprissa match at TCF Bank Stadium. (Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)
July 11, 2018 - Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States - Minnesota United defender Carter Manley (2) and Deportivo Saprissa midfielder Heiner Mora (6) go up to head the ball during the Minnesota United vs Deportivo Saprissa match at TCF Bank Stadium. (Photo by Seth Steffenhagen/Steffenhagen Photography)

Minnesota United announced Tuesday morning that rookie fullback Carter Manley will be joining USL side Las Vegas Lights FC on loan.

United chose Manley, out of Duke University, in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Manley had briefly trained with the team last season.

“I’ve long said we need our young players and draft picks to get good, competitive minutes,” said manager 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 has started four games so far this year, appearing in seven total.

Las Vegas Lights sit in 13th place (out of 17 teams) in the USL Western Conference.

The Lights, in their first season as a franchise, have had some interesting antics for their debut season. With llamas serving as mascots and an advertising pitch to “get lit” at home games, the team has also rewarded players with casino chips.

Under the terms of the loan, Manley will be able to appear for both Las Vegas and the Loons, as long as any back-and-forth complies with roster rules.

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