A Light Preview: One final road match for Las Vegas Lights FC in 2021
For the final time in 2021, Las Vegas Lights FC will play away from Cashman Field. They square off tonight in Irvine, California with Orange County SC.
Las Vegas Lights FC (6-21-3)
A long, unusual season for Lights FC is down to just two more matches. Tonight, they close their road schedule against Orange County, who they did defeat back in July at home. On the season, the Lights are 3-11-1 away from Downtown Vegas.
While the Lights have been eliminated from playoff contention for a little while now and OCSC have clinched their postseason berth, this match could help the hosts in playoff positioning. That will allow for the young Las Vegas squad to potentially play spoiler to an extent. It’s also another chance to showcase their skills for LAFC to earn some consideration down the stretch in MLS.
The attack has played well recently, led by Cal Jennings, Danny Trejo, and Bruce El-Mesmari. Steve Cherundolo’s side has only been shut out once in their last six matches. Defensively, they struggled in a big way vs. Phoenix, allowing six goals and 22 shots. If they can stay disciplined on the backline tonight and get a boost from first-team loanees, they could spring an upset in SoCal.
Vegas Player SpotLight
Cal Jennings: Fresh off a USL Championship Team of the Week honor (runner-up finish for USL Championship Player of the Week), the hat trick hero vs. Phoenix will be the one to watch if he’s loaned down to Lights FC tonight.
Orange County SC (13-10-7)
Who You Should Know
Ronaldo Damus: The 22-year-old Haitian international leads the club with 13 goals and 56 shots. He’s also added three assists.
Eric Calvillo: On loan from the San Jose Earthquakes, he has two goals, three assists, and 26 chances created. He scored the winner vs. San Diego midweek.
Brent Richards: An offensive threat from the backline, the right-back has a club-high six assists and also 24 chances created. Defensively, he leads OCSC with 46 interceptions.
What You Should Know
- Clinched a playoff berth with a win over San Diego on Wednesday
- Have won three straight matches, all by a 1-0 scoreline
- Tonight is the final home match of the regular season for OCSC
- Tied for eighth-fewest goals conceded, tied for third-most clean sheets
The Deets
Tonight, 7 PM PT, Championship Soccer Stadium
Las Vegas Lights FC at Orange County SC
