The team played their inaugural regular season match in Fresno, California, on March 17, 2018, winning 3–2 over Fresno FC.[24] In their first home regular season match, played on March 24, the Lights drew 1–1 with in-state rivals Reno 1868 FC in a match attended by 9,019 spectators.[25] In the 2018 U.S. Open Cup, the Lights defeated FC Tucson and advanced to the third round, where they lost to FC Golden State Force.[26] The club went on a long winless streak in August and September that eliminated the Lights from qualifying for the USL Playoffs.[27] Chelis announced his departure from the club on September 18, following poor performances and an eight-match suspension for misconduct involving a spectator.[28] Las Vegas concluded the season with 8 wins, 19 losses, and 7 draws, and manager Isidro Sánchez was fired on October 14.[29] Former U.S. player and Atlanta Silverbacks coach Eric Wynalda was hired as manager and technical director on October 17.[30]