A Light Preview: Can Las Vegas Lights FC stay hot at home when they face OCSC?
After a midweek win at LA Galaxy II, Las Vegas Lights FC are back at Cashman Field tonight to take on Orange County SC.
Las Vegas Lights FC (2-4-1)
For the first time since 2019, Lights FC will enter a match after picking up an away victory. The club ended a 21-match winless streak away from Cashman Field on Wednesday night as Christian Torres came off the bench to score twice in the 4-3 win vs. Los Dos. Following that brief road trip, soccer returns to downtown Vegas, where the club has one win and one draw.
At home, the LAFC affiliate is playing much tighter defensively and that will need to continue against a talented Orange County side. After a historically hot week in Vegas, the temperature will be above or around 100 degrees for kickoff tonight and at least a portion of the match. That benefits the young legs of Lights FC and their experience playing in the heat at home already this month.
On Friday, LAFC announced that Torres, Danny Musovski, Alvaro Quezada, Mohamed Traore, and Mamadou Fall will join the Lights in Las Vegas for tonight. Notable absences from that list are Bryce Duke (the star of the season thus far), Tomas Romero (most appearances in goal this season), and Cal Jennings (the club’s leading scorer).
My predicted starting XI would look something like this…
(Javier Vazquez could also get a start in place of either Torres or Molina)
Vegas Player SpotLight
Danny Musovski: The Henderson, NV native is a true #9, something that the club doesn’t always have the luxury of having. His presence gives LV an option in the middle of the attack to knock the ball forward to or try to play in behind. Without Duke and Jennings, Musovski will be relied upon to provide the danger going forward tonight and build on his goal last time out.
Orange County SC (3-2-1)
Who You Should Know
Ronaldo Damus: The young Haitian international has scored a goal in three straight matches this season, including the equalizer in a draw vs. San Diego Loyal and the winner vs. Oakland Roots. He won the 2019 USL League One Golden Boot, was named to the All-League First Team, and hoisted the regular season and playoff championship trophies with North Texas SC.
Slicing n dicing em out here 😤#ForCounty pic.twitter.com/0zbrYRs2w1
— Orange County SC (@orangecountysc) June 13, 2021
Rob Kiernan: With experience playing for clubs in Europe like Watford and Rangers, the 30-year-old defender brings a crucial veteran presence to the OC backline. He leads the club in clearances, passes, and aerial duels won.
Chris Wehan: Winning the league’s Rookie of the Year honors in 2017, Wehan has been an All-League performer twice in the USL Championship, including last season with New Mexico United. He has two goals and two assists already in 2021 with his hometown club.
What You Should Know
- Formed a strategic partnership with Rangers FC of the Scottish Premier League in 2019, currently have multiple loanees from the club on the roster for 2021
- 44% average possession, nine goals scored, seven goals conceded, tied for fourth-fewest fouls in the USL Championship
- Have won six of the eight all-time meetings vs. Lights FC (one draw, one loss) with 19 goals scored
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM Pacific, Cashman Field
Orange County SC at Las Vegas Lights FC
