Jennings’ late penalty saves a point for Las Vegas Lights FC

Playing their second consecutive home match, Las Vegas Lights FC came away with another result as they finished 1-1 with San Antonio FC last night. Joaquin Varela scored early for the visitors before Cal Jennings leveled things up late from the penalty spot.

Key Stat

70% possession for Las Vegas. The young Lights FC squad controlled the action last night, dominating the ball from start to finish.

Three Brightest Lights

Danny Crisostomo: He was all over the middle of the park for Lights FC. The captain completed 95% of his 73 passes (92% accuracy in the attacking half), made seven tackles, and intercepted two passes.

Roberto Molina: Talk about providing a spark off the bench, Molina was a game-changer after subbing on at the break. He had two shots, won 7/11 duels, and drew four fouls, including one in the box to set up the equalizer.

Cal Jennings: After Molina earned the penalty, the Las Vegas forward stepped up and buried the chance. He finished with five shots and had some close chances.

Quick Kicks

  • Despite their huge edge in possession, Lights FC only registered one more shot than San Antonio and had the same amount of shots on goal.
  • The Las Vegas players were relying on a perfect final ball too often in the final third, which didn’t come frequently enough. They need to be a bit braver with shots from the edge of the box or more crisp with the passing in the box.
  • Simply a lapse in defending on the goal for SAFC. Poor marking on a corner and an easy finish for Varela.
  • Not long after signing for LAFC, Mamadou Fall was included in the Lights FC starting XI on the backline. The teenage defender was solid and passed the ball well.
  • The importance of Crisostomo cannot be understated. One of the most experienced players on the roster, he’s exactly the type of leader you look for in the midfield. He made some big tackles and interceptions last night, keeps the ball moving around, and never stops working.
  • This Lights FC club is looking better every week under Steve Cherundolo and the backline has only conceded one in two matches after conceding 15 in their first four matches.

What’s Next?

Las Vegas Lights FC will take on LA Galaxy II in California, trying to get revenge after a blowout loss to start the season. Los Dos are 3-2-2 at the moment and will face San Diego Loyal SC tonight.

Carson A Merk

Reporting live from Sin City, I have covered both RGVFC and Las Vegas Lights FC since their inceptions. I also write profiles to highlight players from the NCAA to USL to NWSL and everywhere in between.