A Light Preview: Las Vegas Lights FC set to host the slumping Sacramento Republic FC
After back-to-back victories, Las Vegas Lights FC look to make it three straight tonight when they host Sacramento Republic FC, who are on a lengthy winless run.
Las Vegas Lights FC (4-6-1)
While youth certainly contributed to the rough start for Steve Cherundolo’s side, that same youth is a big reason for the club’s success now. The Lights are always buzzing around the pitch, whether they have possession or not, and that puts an opponent under a lot of pressure. The goal vs. Tacoma Defiance earlier this month was a perfect example as they forced a turnover and immediately converted it for the match-winner. That energy and the Vegas heat should help the hosts tonight against a Sacramento side that is struggling in a big way.
Outside of San Diego Loyal SC, the Lights have found success in their second meetings vs. a club this season. They’ve won two of three in those matchups and will have the chance to avenge a loss to Sacramento from earlier this season. In that match, they weren’t thoroughly outplayed by any means and were still suffering from major lapses in crucial moments. Since then, they’ve tightened things up, especially on the defensive end, and they should enter this match with the expectation of taking all three points.
Danny Crisostomo and Tony Leone were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for their play vs. Oakland. Mohamed Traore was named to the bench for the second consecutive week. The LAFC affiliate is up to 18th in Nicholas Murray’s latest Power Rankings.
Vegas Player SpotLight
Danny Crisostomo: He’s typically the most crucial player for Lights FC and enters into the match vs. Sacramento after scoring the winner against Oakland. When it comes to winning the battle in the midfield tonight, Crisostomo will set the tone for the home side.
Sacramento Republic FC (2-6-3)
Who You Should Know
Tucker Bone: He leads the club in goals (three) and shots (11). The Air Force Academy product also has completed 135/160 passes.
Dariusz Formella: The Polish forward has a club-high 21 chances created to go along with two goals. One of those goals came against the Lights and he also tallied an assist that night.
Tomas Gomez: He has won the league’s Golden Glove twice and is tied for 12th in the league with 27 saves. Against the Lights, he could prove to be a crucial figure in Sacramento breaking out of the slump.
What You Should Know
- Back-to-back wins to start the season (1-0 vs. Los Dos, 3-1 vs. Lights FC)
- Winless in their last nine matches (six losses, three draws)
- Tied for second-fewest goals scored in the USL Championship (ten in 11 matches)
- Announced yesterday that striker Jerome Kiesewetter has joined the club on loan from FC Tulsa for the rest of the season
- Nabilai Kibunguchy had his red card rescinded and won’t be suspended for this match
- 27th in the latest USL Championship Power Rankings
- Mitchell Taintor is suspended due to his red card vs. Orange County SC
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM, Cashman Field
Sacramento Republic FC at Las Vegas Lights FC
