A Light Preview: In-form Lights FC hit the road to face Los Dos

After picking up seven points in a three-match homestand, Las Vegas Lights FC will head to SoCal to take on LA Galaxy II later today.

Las Vegas Lights FC (2-3-2)

Frank Yallop’s side is coming off a come-from-behind draw against Phoenix Rising FC and an upset win over Orange County SC in their last two matches. Now, the Lights have a chance to take down the third-place club in Group B, Los Dos.

In the last few matches, Blake Frischknecht and Yamikani Chester have proven to be quality attacking options. Fresh out of college and still recovering from a major knee injury, Frischknecht has been a special player off the bench. He’s showcased good athleticism and also a knack for making the right decision in the final third. Chester should be a weapon vs. Galaxy II if this match opens up and allows the Lights to capitalize on the counter. Las Vegas will need to be solid in the midfield with players like Seth Moses and Grant Robinson cutting out passes and winning the ball back to make sure this doesn’t turn into a track meet.

As you’ll see below, Los Dos have only been shut out once this season thus far, which doesn’t pair well with the fact that the Lights have zero clean sheets. Ramon Martin Del Campo leads the club in clearances, aerial duels, and is tied at the top in interceptions. The highly-rated central defender will be key on the backline and at the other end where he has a goal in back-to-back matches.

According to FiveThirtyEight.com, the Lights have a 3% chance of making the postseason. While that’s discouraging, the team’s recent performances have shown fight and quality. Frank Yallop removed himself as a candidate for the permanent role, but he’s impressing as the caretaker manager and the next manager will definitely have some promising players to choose from next season.

LA Galaxy (4-3-0)

Who you should know

Augustine Williams: Still only 23 years old, Augi is a proven veteran in the USL Championship. This season, he has five goals and has scored in three of the last four matches. He has three times as many shots as the next highest on the team.

Jesus Vazquez: The captain of Los Dos leads the club in clearances and interceptions from his spot in central defense.

Jorge Hernandez: He’s created a team-high 12 chances this season and he’s picked up one assist as the club’s number ten.

What you should know

T-15th in the league in goals scored.

T-7th best passing accuracy in the league.

Only shutout once this season (July 11th vs. Phoenix).

The Details

Today, 2 PM PT, at Dignity Health Sports Park

Las Vegas Lights FC at LA Galaxy II

Live on ESPN+

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.