A Light Preview: Match #13 vs. Reno 1868 FC
After an eventful week, Lights FC will look to secure rivalry bragging rights when they travel north to face Reno.
Las Vegas Lights FC will look to move past a major US Open Cup letdown loss as they face rival Reno 1868 FC tonight.
Looking at the Lights (4-5-3)
With the USOC out of the way, the Lights can about focusing solely on their second season in the league. They currently sit one spot below the playoff line in the Western Conference and their form away from home is the primary reason. While they are unbeaten in USL Championship play at home, they are winless on the road. In six away matches this season, the club has scored five goals compared to 13 in five home matches.
Jose Villarreal adds another proven playmaker to the Lights’ roster. Like Pablo Cruz and Tripa Hernandez, Villarreal can provide quality service to Irvin Parra, Sammy Ochoa, and Preston Tabort Etaka from the run of play or set pieces. The new signing registered an assist in the Open Cup loss and should fill a super-sub role for now until he is at full match fitness.
The return of Kevin Garcia-Lopez will help secure the backline of Las Vegas and should allow Mobi Fehr to move back to his natural position in the midfield.
Who you should know: Reno 1868 FC (4-2-5)
Brian Brown: It’s easy to pinpoint a player to focus on when one man leads the club in goals, assists, shots, and shots on target. Brown has seven goals to go along with four assists. He has good pace and movement off of the ball. His first touch ability and positional awareness make him a nightmare to mark in the box, where six of his seven goals have come from.
Seth Casiple: While Brown leads in most attacking categories, Casiple has a major edge in chances created; his 37 are more than 20 higher than second-best on the squad. The midfielder also leads the club in total passes and he averages 57 per match.
Corey Hertzog: A veteran in the USL, Hertzog has four goals and three assists this season. He compliments well with Brown in the attack.
The Deets
Tonight, 7:30 PM Pacific Time, at Greater Nevada Field
Las Vegas Lights FC at Reno 1868 FC
