A Light Preview: Las Vegas Lights FC look to upset Loyal SC in a midweek matchup
Las Vegas Lights FC suffered a third defeat vs. Sacramento Republic FC over the weekend. Now, they look to avoid a similar situation when they face San Diego Loyal SC, who they’ve already lost to twice in 2021.
Las Vegas Lights FC (5-10-2)
Multiple times this season, Las Vegas Lights FC have helped clubs break out of slumps, including Sacramento Republic FC and Real Monarchs SLC. That’s not a good distinction for the LAFC affiliate as it displays an inability to pounce on a struggling club and take three points from a “winnable match”. Tonight, they will be in a similar situation when they face a San Diego Loyal SC side that’s lost four of their last five matches.
For Steve Cherundolo’s side, there will need to be a more focused sense of urgency than they displayed in Sacramento last time out where they were comfortably out-possessed and outshot. While it’s always tougher to get points on the road than at home, the Lights can’t simply defend and hope for the best when not playing at Cashman Field. The Lights currently sit seven points below the cutoff line for a postseason position.
With LAFC not playing a midweek match, that could open up some possibilities on players coming down on loan from the first team. Ideally, they get Bryce Duke, Cal Jennings, and Danny Musovski again as they did vs. Republic FC to bolster the attack.
Vegas Player SpotLight
Danny Musovski: The LAFC forward and Henderson, Nevada native does have three goals and an assist in his nine appearances for the Lights. But, he’s talented enough and experienced enough to make more of a consistent impact when given the chance in the USL Championship.
San Diego Loyal SC (7-8-3)
Who You Should Know
Jack Blake: He is tied for the club lead in goals (four) and is the sole leader in assists (three) and chances created (25).
Miguel Ibarra: A former standout with Minnesota United, he has one goal and two assists since joining the club in late May.
Joshua Yaro: The 2nd overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Yaro is the star of the San Diego backline. His 56 clearances are more than 20 higher than the second-best total on the club, he has a club-high 883 passes (89.9% accuracy), and leads the club in blocks, and is tied for the most interceptions.
What You Should Know
- Lost four of their last five matches, including 2-1 vs. Tacoma Defiance over the weekend
- Tied for the 5th-worst conversion rate, 10th-most goals conceded, and tied for 3rd-fewest clean sheets in the USL Championship,
- Two wins over Lights FC in 2021, one at home and one on the road, never lost to Las Vegas (three wins, two draws)
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM PT, Torero Stadium
Las Vegas Lights FC at San Diego Loyal SC
