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Las Vegas native Julian Portgual leaves Lights FC

Las Vegas native Julian Portugal decided to leave the Lights FC on Monday.

The midfielder, who was one of the Lights’ first five signings, was recently promoted to soccer director at Phase 1 Sports, an athlete training center in Las Vegas. He is also weighing other options away from the pitch.

Technical director Jose Luis Sanchez Sola thanked Portugal in a tweet and wished him success.

“I left on good terms,” Portugal said in a text message to the Review-Journal.

The former Palo Verde and UNLV player appeared in 13 games for the Lights, making five starts. The 25-year-old tried out for the team at its open combine and impressed enough to make the club and earn regular playing time.

Portugal is the third player to leave the Lights in the last 10 days, along with attacking midfielder Zach Mathers and defender Zak Drake.

More Lights: Follow all of our Las Vegas Lights FC coverage online at reviewjournal.com/lights and @RJ_Sports on Twitter.

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

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