A Light Preview: Match #12 vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
After another road loss, Lights FC will look to topple Tulsa tonight.
Las Vegas Lights FC came up short on the road vs. Phoenix Rising FC last weekend, keeping them at zero road wins on the season. But, now they return to Cashman Field to take on Tulsa Roughnecks FC where they are undefeated on the year.
Looking at the Lights (4-5-2)
I know, I know, the story remains the same. But, the Lights are damn good at home and really bad on the road. Playing at home tonight, they will be the favorites to take all three points.
Against Phoenix, the club finished with zero shots on target, the lack of shooting accuracy a trend that plagued them earlier in the year. In the match, Tripa Hernandez and Pablo Cruz did well when they were on the ball, creating seven chances between them, but Tripa was a second-half substitute and Cruz didn’t see enough possession of the ball. Tonight, they will need one, or both, of these players to grab control of the game early.
Irvin Parra has been the club’s best attacking player this season, but he was quiet against Rising FC. Like the club, he is dangerous at home but not seeing the success translate to the road. Of his club-leading seven goals, six have come at Cashman Field. That bodes well for tonight, but for the club to take the next step, he needs to produce away.
Las Vegas native Thomas Olsen will be looking to bounce back after allowing four goals, including one that slipped through his hands, last time out.
Who you should know: Tulsa Roughnecks FC (4-3-4)
Rodrigo da Costa: Described by USL Championship writer John Arlia as “the best player in the Championship you don’t know”, da Costa’s play has been a big reason for Tulsa’s early season success. Through 11 matches, he has six assists, four goals and 21 key passes. He also had a classic story in regards to his wedding last week.
getting Rodrigo Da Costa to his wedding in Miami, Florida with no flights available out of San Antonio and only hours to spare. The #TulsaRoughnecks would like to make a shutout to Head Athletic Trainer, Jonathon Milwee. pic.twitter.com/wWPl0JJp0v
— FC Tulsa (@FCTulsa) May 19, 2019
Luca Lobo: He leads the club with seven goals, coming on only 14 shots. Lobo also has one assist to his name this season.
Cyprian Hedrick: A proven defender in this league, the Cameroonian helps command the back line for Tulsa. He leads the club in clearances by more than 20, has 11 blocked shots, and has appeared in every match this season.
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM Pacific Time, at Cashman Field
Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Las Vegas Lights FC
