Flashlight Findings from LV’s 1-0 win over STL ?
Photo Credit: L.E. Baskow/Lights FC
Las Vegas Lights FC made it three straight home wins last night, defeating Saint Louis FC 1-0 at Cashman Field. Flashlight Findings takes a deeper look at the victory.
Three out of Three Keys Achieved
(from the match preview’s Three Keys to a Vegas Victory)
✔ Cash In at Cashman Field
In their only home match of July, Lights FC sent the fans home happy. It wasn’t the most beautiful match, but a win’s a win. The 6,000+ in attendance on a sweltering Salute to Service night were loud and engaged for much of the match. This result gives them a positive feeling to remember until they play at home again in August.
✔ Make it Work with a Makeshift Defense
I’d say a clean sheet is making it work. With no Joel Huiqui, Miguel Garduno, Christian Torres, or Marco Cesar Jaime Jr. in the starting lineup, a defensive unit of Juan Herrera-Perla, Marcelo Alatorre, and Nico Samayoa didn’t allow a goal or even a shot on goal from Saint Louis. There was also a noticeable commitment from other players to drop back to help, like Carlos Alvarez or Daigo Kobayashi.
✔ Build on June
While it may not have been another 4-1 win, the Lights didn’t get shut out and took all three points. They start off July with a win as they enter a tough stretch of matches. Draws and losses need to become much more rare if the Lights expect to sneak into the playoffs. July has started out well in that regard.
Quick Kicks
At first when I saw the schedule, I was annoyed there was only one home match in July. I understood the logic of avoiding the heat, but I still was not a fan. Well, after sitting through a match in the stands as I prefer to do, I am thankful there is only one match in this ridiculously toasty month. Teams are typically uncomfortable playing in Las Vegas, probably a combination of the small pitch and pressure the Lights apply. Saint Louis may have looked the most uncomfortable, unable to build any attacks, get any shots, or do much of anything on Saturday. Ricardo Ferrino had very little action, making zero saves and only needing to assert himself with a diving punch a few times. But, one negative mark for the entertaining goalkeeper was his distribution. He continually blasted the ball long, well away from Sammy Ochoa, the farthest person forward. His consistent giveaways made starting attacks more difficult. While they aren’t in the top few performers, James Murphy and Freddy Adu both played well. Murphy is showing his two-way ability in the midfield and Adu added quality service and vision to the wing.
The Brightest Lights
Raul Mendiola: As I mentioned on Twitter, I think Mendiola is the most dangerous attacking player for the Lights. While the offense runs through Ochoa, Mendiola’s skill on the ball, calmness in the final moments, and pace and positioning make him an X-factor. He scored the lone goal of the match and drew three fouls. Any time he got on the ball, he was looking to get the the end line to create a chance for himself or his teammates.
Nico Samayoa: A really solid first start from the New England Revolution loanee. Playing on the banged up back line, he made five clearances, four tackles, and two interceptions. But, his biggest contribution came on the offensive side, when he fired a lengthy through ball to Mendiola for his goal.
Carlos Alvarez: He had 62 touches last night for Las Vegas. The second-highest number was 46. Alvarez was able to push the action anytime the Lights kept possession and finished with the best passing completion percentage, 81.4%.
What’s Next?
A double match week for Lights FC kicks off on Wednesday with a trip to Oklahoma to face off against OKC Energy FC. The two clubs have never met and sit only two points apart on the Western Conference table.
