Marcelo Lage, 23, signed his first professional contract in 2023 with the Las Vegas Lights of USL Championship, and made an immediate impact. The center back defender was among the team leaders in goals, with four in 25 appearances and 18 starts. He was named the club’s player of the month for September. Before that, Massachusetts-born defender played a season at Hofstra University as a graduate transfer, where he appeared in 21 matches with 19 starts, recorded three goals and helped the team to an NCAA Tournament berth. He began his college career at George Washington University, then transferred to Coastal Carolina University. While at Coastal Carolina, he played in 43 matches over three seasons and scored eight goals. He was named to the All-Conference USA Third Team and in 2020 was picked for the Sun Belt Conference Championship All-Tournament Team.
