In first start, Rancho grad Alvarez shines in goal for LV Lights

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Sam Morris / Las Vegas News Bureau

Las Vegas Lights FC midfielder Carlos Alvarez (7), midfielder Zach Mathers (32) and defender Joel Huiqui (3) celebrate Huiqui’s goal against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 during their game Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Cashman Field. The Lights won 4-1.

Sun, Jun 17, 2018 (6 a.m.)

LV Lights Beat Seattle Sounders 4-1

Seattle Sounders FC 2 defender Rodrigue Ele (92) collides with Las Vegas Lights FC midfielder Zach Mathers during their game Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Cashman Field. The Lights won 4-1. Launch slideshow »

With his parents in attendance at Cashman Field, 20-year-old goalie Angel Alvarez was solid on Saturday in his first United Soccer League start.

The Rancho High product stopped six of seven shots for the Las Vegas Lights FC in a 4-1 victory against Seattle Sounders 2.

A few of the saves came from inside the 18-yard box in the first half as the Lights were building their advantage.

“I’m very humbled and thankful for the opportunity to play today,” Alvarez said in a statement. “It’s just an extra motivation, looking in the stands, seeing my parents there, knowing all the sacrifices they made when I was in middle school, high school, taking me to soccer practices, giving me money to go to tournaments out of state.”

Alvarez even recorded a rare goalie assist. His goal kick in the first half soared over the Sounders defense to a sprinting Joel Huiqui, who easily found the back of the net for the Lights.

“I don’t have any words for what I’m feeling,” Alvarez said.

Sammy Ochoa had a pair of first-half goals for the Lights, which improved to 4-5-4 overall with 16 points

“The work we do during the week, the work I’ve been doing, I think it’s finally paying off,” Ochoa in a statement. “Hopefully, we can keep it going.”

Zach Mathers, who played for Sounders 2 the past two seasons, scored the Lights’ fourth goal.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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