A Light Preview: Las Vegas set to host Tacoma in a winnable match

A quick turnaround for Las Vegas Lights FC as they will play their rescheduled match vs. Tacoma Defiance tonight at Cashman Field.

Looking at the Lights (0-3-1)

Tonight is all about the search for win #1 and goals for Las Vegas. Caretaker manager Frank Yallop’s side needs both in a big way. They officially have the fewest goals in the entire league with just two in four matches and are one of four winless clubs. With the chances already slim that they can make a top-two position, they need to start winning matches now if they want to compete in Group B. There won’t be a crowd cheering them on, but the players need to push the action at Cashman Field.

If Blake Frischknecht is fully fit and ready to go after a substitute shift in his debut, he should get a start up top for the Lights. While he may not be the proven option there, he’s really the only true striker that’s available with Seku Conneh out injured. It’s great to have the ability of players like Raul Mendiola and Rashawn Dally on the outside, but neither can play as a number nine and their impact is limited without someone they can feed the ball into. Tacoma enters tonight coming off back-to-back losses and they conceded five goals in those matches. Las Vegas needs a big win and this could prove to be the right match to get it.

Yallop has options in a lot of the other positions for the Lights. I’d be interested to see a midfield trio of Junior Sandoval, Mobi Fehr, and Seth Moses. Fehr played at right-back last week, and just like last season, his ability is wasted on the backline. Bryan de la Fuente could slide back there and provide the ability to run the ball forward and deliver some crosses. Also, could this match feature a return of 2019 first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Olsen? Edward Delgado hasn’t played poorly, making a Save of the Week nominee vs. OC, but he hasn’t come away with a clean sheet yet, and maybe TKO could give him a break between the sticks. The Las Vegas native finished last season with nine shutouts and almost 100 saves.

Who you should know: Tacoma Defiance (2-4-1)

Alec Diaz: The 18-year-old forward leads the club in goals (four), shots (18), and shots on target (14). He’s also tallied four key passes and will need to be slowed down for the Lights to have success.

Taylor Mueller: With over 200 appearances for the Charleston Battery, Mueller is a much-needed veteran on this youthful Tacoma side. He has a team-high in passes, aerial duels won, and clearances.

Antonee Burke-Gilroy: He’s been with the club for a few seasons now and has two assists and five chances created this season, able to open the match up dribbling the ball forward.

The Details

Tonight, 7:30 PM PT, at Cashman Field

Tacoma Defiance at Las Vegas Lights FC

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.