A Light Preview: Match #8 vs. Los Dos
In some Monday night USL Championship action, Las Vegas Lights FC will try to move past a lopsided loss on the road last time out.
Nine days ago, Las Vegas Lights FC dropped a 5-2 result on the road vs. RGVFC, despite playing well. In their first match since, they will try to secure their first road points of the season as they face LA Galaxy II on the road tonight.
Looking at the Lights (2-4-1)
If you looked at the stats before the scoreline in the LV vs. RGVFC match, you could have assumed that the Lights were victorious. They held more possession in the opposing half, more shots, more possession, etc. But, Eric Wynalda’s side will not be happy with the moral victory. After over a week off, his side will be ready to battle for their first points of the season away from Cashman Field.
Irvin Parra has become the central piece of this Lights’ attack with either Tabort Etaka Preston or Alex Harlley playing beside him. Off the bench, Sammy Ochoa scored his first goal of the season and I would anticipate he stays in a super-sub role for the time being as he works his way back to full fitness following offseason surgery.
At home, goalkeeper Thomas Olsen and the backline in front of him have been stout. They have a shutout streak still rolling in downtown Las Vegas. The bad news is all their matches can’t be played at their home pitch. In four away matches, the Lights have conceded multiple goals each time out. Olsen: zero goals allowed in three home matches, 12 goals allowed in four away matches.
Playing against Los Dos, a club that likes to get up and down the pitch, the Vegas’ defense will need to be aware and not get too far forward to leave space in behind.
In news off the pitch, the Lights announced an exclusive soda pouring rights deal with Jarritos, which makes this writer VERY happy.
Welcome to the #LightsFam @Jarritos!!
Lights FC and Cashman Field announce that Jarritos and the Novamex brand of sodas have agreed to a groundbreaking pouring rights agreement. #VivaLights https://t.co/VywcA8LugU
— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) April 25, 2019
Who you should know: LA Galaxy II (3-3-1)
(Their lineup is remarkably fluid, so we will see what players are available)
Kai Koreniuk: He leads Los Dos in goals with four after scoring a brace last week in a wild 4-4 draw vs. RGVFC. He was the USL Championship Player of the Week back in Week 5.
Adrian Vera: The midfielder has played in all seven matches for Galaxy II and averages 42.2 passes per match. He has seven key passes.
Augustine Williams: A tall, skilled player in the attack, Williams has two goals and two key passes on the year.
The Deets
TONIGHT, at 7:30 PM, from Dignity Health Sports Park
Las Vegas Lights FC at LA Galaxy II
Top photo courtesy of Las Vegas Lights FC
