A Light Preview: Match #19 vs. Tacoma Defiance
Las Vegas Lights FC are back in action with a midweek match vs. the Defiance.
After twenty days off, Las Vegas Lights FC will return to the pitch tonight to face Tacoma Defiance.
Looking at the Lights (6-7-5)
It feels like it’s been an eternity since the Lights played. Last time out, they finished level with LA Galaxy II on Independence Day. With only one loss in their last five matches, it will be interesting to see if the club can keep the momentum going after such a long layoff.
Irvin Parra is still the club’s leading scorer with nine goals, despite his recent absence due to suspension. With the club entering the second half of their season, it will be important for other players to step up and score consistently. Preston Tabort Etaka is the second-leading scorer, but he needs to impact the match every time out. Without Tripa Hernandez, a lot of the playmaking duties will fall to Pablo Cruz, Junior Sandoval, and Jose Villarreal. Tonight will be a good match to build some momentum against the worst club in the league.
Who you should know: Tacoma Defiance (2-12-5)
(Leading scorer Justin Dhillon signed with Seattle Sounders towards the end of June)
Joel Rydstrand: He has 19 chances created and 82% passing accuracy. The Swedish midfielder has one assist and 14 interceptions.
Joshua Atencio: Leading the club in passes with 689, the 17-year-old has 107 long passes and 72% passing in the attacking half. He’s still looking for his first assist of the season.
Shandon Hopeau: Still only 20 years old, he’s a veteran leader on this Defiance side. This season, he has one goal and one assist.
Woodwork wonder 🤙.
Shandon Hopeau wins Week 12's Goal of the Week!#BeChampions pic.twitter.com/JVvrAm9kAk
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) May 30, 2019
The Deets
Tonight, 7 PM Pacific Time
Las Vegas Lights FC at Tacoma Defiance
