A Light Preview: Lights FC face Tacoma as they look to end a two-match home skid
With two straight losses at Cashman Field, Las Vegas Lights FC will look to get back on track when they host Tacoma Defiance tonight in Downtown Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Lights FC (2-6-1)
The first two home matches of the season for Lights FC saw them pick up their first four points of the season. The two home matches since have yielded them zero points, losses to both Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal SC. No, the Lights weren’t going to be magically transformed into a championship contender just because they were playing at Cashman Field. But, there are some underlying issues that the club needs to correct to get back on track at home tonight.
For Lights FC, the defense is what determines their success. Sure, the club won a 4-3 shootout vs. Los Dos before this homestand. But, that was one of two matches that they have scored more than one goal in their nine matches thus far. Steve Cherundolo’s side does not have enough consistency in the attack, especially without all of the key LAFC loanees, to balance out allowing the most goals in the USL Championship (24).
At the moment, we don’t know who will come down from the first team and that will largely determine the danger of Las Vegas’ attack.
Vegas Player SpotLight
Alex Rando/Tomas Romero: When Lights FC defeated Tacoma last month, they were able to finish with a clean sheet. Tonight, whichever goalkeeper is between the sticks for Las Vegas will need to be on the top of their game. Rando has lost each of his starts, despite being top five in the USL Championship in saves while Romero has been the more successful keeper by record this season.
Tacoma Defiance (3-3-2)
Who You Should Know
Samuel Adeniran: The 22-year-old striker leads the club in shots and shots on target. While he only has one goal to show for it, he’s the danger man up top for Tacoma.
Eric Kinzer: Leading the club in minutes played, Kinzer is a crucial piece to the Defiance defense. He has the most clearances, blocks, and passes while also tied for the lead in interceptions.
Ray Serrano: He enters today’s match coming off a brace in Tacoma’s 2-0 win over Los Dos. He’s created a club-high eight chances and has one assist to his name.
What You Should Know
- Back-to-Back positive results (Draw vs. Real Monarchs SLC, Win vs. LA Galaxy II) after a three-match losing streak
- First loss of the season came in the home opener for Las Vegas Lights FC on 6/5
- Winless on the road (0-3-1)
- 29th in the league in shots (73), tied for 10th in conversion rate (17%)
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM, Cashman Field
Tacoma Defiance at Las Vegas Lights FC
