LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Lights FC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Aaron Guillen to a two-year contract through the 2027 USL Championship season with a club option for the 2028 campaign. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Guillen joins the Lights having spent the past six seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, during which time he became the club’s all-time leader in minutes (17,223) and appearances (196) across all competitions. The 32-year-old won two USL Championship Eastern Conference titles (2020, 2021) and the 2021 Players’ Shield during his time at the club.

“We are delighted to welcome Aaron to the Lights,” said Lights Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “It’s increasingly difficult to find high-level, proven left-footed center backs in this league, and after making over 30 appearances for the fifth consecutive season, it’s clear that Aaron can bring that quality every match. Importantly, Aaron is also a tremendous teammate, as evidenced by his long stint captaining the Rowdies. His character and veteran leadership will be a valuable addition to our locker room.”

Born in Chihuahua, Mexico but raised in El Paso, Texas, Guillen is a product of the FC Dallas Academy, and signed with the club as a Homegrown player to start his professional career after competing collegiately at Florida Gulf Coast University. He made his MLS debut on March 26, 2016 against D.C. United, and made 13 appearances for FC Dallas across all competitions in his two seasons with the Frisco side.

Guillen signed for North Carolina FC in 2018, where he made 58 appearances and logged more than 5,000 minutes across two seasons before signing with the Rowdies prior to the 2020 season. That season the Rowdies claimed their first Eastern Conference title as Guillen played every minute across the regular season and playoffs, while the following season Guillen was a key figure as the club won the Players’ Shield and a second consecutive Eastern Conference title, earning USL Championship All-League Second Team honors.

Guillen became the Rowdies’ captain in the 2022 season, cementing his role as team leader for years to come. That year, Tampa made it to the Eastern Conference Final, and Guillen was named to the 2022 All-League First Team.