A Light Preview: Match #22 vs. Sacramento Republic FC
Las Vegas Lights FC will feature in tonight’s prime time matchup on ESPN News against Republic FC.
With a quick turnaround following their loss to Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC will face off tonight against Sacramento Republic FC on ESPN News and ESPN3.
Tomorrow #USLonESPN kicks off at 11 PM ET.
Tune in to ESPNews for a Western Conference battle between @SacRepublicFC and @lvlightsfc!#SACvLV | #BeChampions pic.twitter.com/Ye554XYcHo
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) August 6, 2019
Looking at the Lights (7-9-5)
In recent weeks, the Lights have been outside of the playoff positions, but with a couple of wins consecutively, they could get above the line. Unfortunately, the club has struggled for consistency throughout the year, especially of late. Only twice this season have the Lights won back-to-back matches and they have never had a winning streak longer than two. Their last five results have been L/D/L/W/L.
For Eric Wynalda’s side, and a lot of other teams, road matches are all about efficiency. No, you won’t hold a lot of the ball or have a ton of shots, but it’s about what you do with their opportunities. Irvin Parra has been a solid player for Las Vegas, but almost entirely at home. His impact on the road has been limited and the lack of gamechanging talents on the roster, it’s difficult to expect someone to have a moment of brilliance to win you the match. Jose Villarreal and Pablo Cruz can create chances, even with limited touches, but Parra and Preston Tabort Etaka must be clinical in front of goal. The club has missed Mobi Fehr’s passing presence in the middle of the park and will be without fellow midfielder Jonathan Levin against Sacramento. It would be great to see Junior Sandoval or Vinnie Vermeer make some special plays.
Who you should know: Sacramento Republic FC (9-9-3)
(MLS veteran goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth has arrived in Sacramento on loan.)
Stefano Bonomo: He enters the match off of a brace last time out and an appearance on the USL Championship Team of the Week. Bonomo has four goals on the season and leads the team in duels and aerial duels won.
.@SamWerner10 ➡️ @JuanBarahona96 ➡️ @bonomo_93 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/5Fewq1sIRv
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) August 4, 2019
Cam Iwasa: The hometown hero leads the club in goals with ten. He also has club-highs in shots and shots on target.
Mitchell Taintor: From the backline, he has two goals and 952 passes, a team-high. His 200 long passes are the most by an outfield player by nearly 100.
The Deets
Las Vegas Lights FC at Sacramento Republic FC
8 PM Pacific Time on ESPN3 & ESPN News
