A Light Preview: Can Lights FC end their 13-match winless run when they face Tacoma?

After a narrow loss vs. LA Galaxy II last Friday, Las Vegas Lights FC will look to break their 13-match winless streak when they face Tacoma Defiance tonight.

Las Vegas Lights FC (5-20-3)

This season, Lights FC have just five wins in their 28 matches. Two of those victories came against Tacoma Defiance, the only team that Las Vegas have defeated more than once in 2021.

The loss vs. Los Dos last week was not a lopsided one. In addition to just one goal being scored, the stats were not far off across the board. For Las Vegas, that means they’ve picked up a draw and battled to a narrow loss in their last two matches, indicating positive progress that’s been absent for much of the season.

A big boost for the Lights could be the fact that LAFC doesn’t play until Saturday. That may allow the first team to send down more players than usual to get match minutes in the midweek fixture. Could we see a loaded lineup featuring players like Bryce Duke, Christian Torres, Danny Musovski, and the other young LAFC rotational players?

Vegas Player SpotLight

Frank Daroma: He was exceptional in the LV midfield against Los Dos last week. With his energy and distribution skills, Daroma is one of the biggest difference-makers at Steve Cherundolo’s disposal.

Tacoma Defiance (9-12-6)

Who You Should Know

Samuel Adeniran: He is far and away the most dangerous attacking player for Tacoma with ten goals (seven more than second-best) and 49 shots (second-most is 16). The 6’5″ striker scored a hat trick over the weekend, earning USL Championship Player of the Week.

Ray Serrano: The 19-year-old winger has a club-high six assists and has also created 31 chances.

Taylor Mueller: Anchoring the Tacoma defense, he is the club leader in clearances, interceptions, and long passes.

What You Should Know

  • Ended a seven-match losing streak with a win over Orange County SC on 10/9
  • Two points behind Los Dos, who occupy the final playoff position
  • 7-3-3 record at home, all three home losses came in the month of September
  • Tied for seventh-fewest goals scored in the league, conceded the 16th-most

The Deets

Tonight, 7 PM, Cheney Stadium

Las Vegas Lights FC at Tacoma Defiance

Carson A Merk

Reporting live from Sin City, I have covered both RGVFC and Las Vegas Lights FC since their inceptions. I also write profiles to highlight players from the NCAA to USL to NWSL and everywhere in between.