A Light Preview: Lights FC look to show improvement on the road vs. Los Dos
After playing their first two home matches of the season, Las Vegas Lights FC are back on the road as they face LA Galaxy II tonight.
Las Vegas Lights FC (1-4-1)
More than a month ago, Lights FC opened their 2021 season at LA Galaxy II. That match was scoreless at the break before Los Dos blew the doors open with five second-half goals to win 5-0. The LAFC affiliate would follow that up by losing their next three matches, all on the road, before getting a win and a draw at Cashman Field. In those two home matches, Steve Cherundolo’s side has looked like a completely different group, especially on the defensive end. Let’s take a look at some stats to compare…
Home matches (Tacoma, San Antonio): Opponents combined for 20 shots, six on target, and one goal.
Away matches (San Diego, Phoenix, Sacramento, LA): Opponents combined for 93 shots, 44 on target, and 15 goals.
The difference in those numbers is staggering, and tonight will be a good test of where this club is truly at. While level of competition certainly factored in, did they look better in those home matches because they are an improved young team or simply because they were playing with crowd support? If it’s the former, they will get to display that development tonight against a club they lost to by a wide margin already this season. If it’s the latter, it might be another long night in Carson, CA for Lights FC.
Vegas Player SpotLight
Danny Crisostomo: He took over the captaincy from CC Uche when the rookie defender went out with an injury, but he’s established himself as a true leader of this club. Experienced in the USL Championship, his work rate and two-way play in the midfield have been crucial to the recent success of Lights FC. With a tough matchup vs. a Los Dos side that likes to get out and run, Crisostomo will need to be at his best when it comes to shutting down counter-attacks and holding onto possession.
LA Galaxy II (3-3-2)
Who You Should Know
Jorge Hernandez: The 20-year-old midfielder is tied for the league-lead with six goals (coming on just 12 shots). including two from free kicks. He also has a club-high 12 chances created and the second-most duels won.
Preston Judd: A Las Vegas native, he sits behind Hernandez on the list with three goals and leads Los Dos with 15 shots.
Joshua Drack: Selected 16th overall by LA Galaxy in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, the left-back is tied for second in the USL Championship with three assists. He has eight key passes and on the defensive end, he leads the club in tackles won, duels won, and interceptions.
What You Should Know
- 2nd in the USL Championship in goals (16) and conversion rate (23%)
- Tied for sixth-most in goals conceded (11), 6th-most fouls conceded, T-7th in yellow cards
- Undefeated in eight meetings vs. Lights FC (five wins, three draws)
- One win in their last four matches, including a 2-1 defeat vs. San Diego Loyal SC over the weekend
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM Pacific, at Dignity Health Sports Park
Las Vegas Lights FC at LA Galaxy II
