Las Vegas Lights FC hold on for a 4-3 win at Los Dos, their first away victory of 2021

Last night, Las Vegas Lights FC got off on the wrong foot as they fell behind in the 5th minute on the road vs. LA Galaxy II. But, the back-and-forth matchup ended with the first away win of the season for the Lights as substitute Christian Torres’ scored a brace in the second half to help secure the result.

Key Stat

40% conversion rate. Lights FC finished with ten shots on the night, a respectable number on the road. But, the key was the fact that they put six of those shots on target and scored on four of them. That is high-level efficiency from the young side and was the deciding factor in getting three points vs. Los Dos.

Three Brightest Lights

Christian Torres: The 17-year-old loanee from LAFC certainly made the most of his time on the pitch. Subbing on at the break, Torres scored two goals (on three shots) and completed 9/10 passes.

Bryce Duke: Always a gamechanger for the club, Duke picked up two assists and was lively on the ball all night. His assist on Torres’ first goal was a highlight-reel performance as he danced around defenders in the box before serving it on a silver platter for his teammate. He had three key passes and two fouls won.

Alvaro Quezada: Getting out on the break, he was able to convert a very smooth finish for the opening goal of the match. Quezada also assisted on Torres’ second goal, tallied three total chances created, and added three tackles.

Quick Kicks

• Danny Musovski scored the second goal of the match for the Lights. His presence gives the club a true #9 to rely on in the attack.
• No Cal Jennings last night after he scored in both of the club’s recent home matches.
• Really tough night at the office for teenage defender Tony Leone, who has been solid for the most part on loan from LAFC this season. He was directly involved in all three goals for Preston Judd on the night.
• Speaking of Judd, it’s an impressive feat to overcome a player on the opposing club scoring a hat trick. The defense wasn’t as tight as it was at Cashman Field, but that’s part of the challenge of playing on the road.
• Son of former USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Jonathan Klinsmann got the start in goal for Los Dos, his second appearance down from the first team.
• Quezada and Duke were excellent in their playmaking roles last night, while Quezada also added a goal. A big reason they are able to create and get forward so comfortably is the play of Danny Crisostomo and Frank Daroma in the holding midfield behind them. That tandem combined for four tackles, six interceptions, and completed 71/80 passes.
• Thus far, Duke and Daroma are the two Players to Watch for the club. Both players are 20 years old and spent time at the Barca Residency Academy. They bring nonstop energy and eye-catching ability with their skill on the ball.
• Per Lights FC Insider Harry Ruiz, the win in Carson, California ended a streak of 21 road matches without a win for Lights FC.
• With the win, Las Vegas moves into a tie at seven points with two other clubs (Tacoma, Sacramento) in the Pacific Division. While those two sides have struggled recently, Lights FC are on a three-match unbeaten run.

What’s Next?

After one away match, Las Vegas Lights FC are back at home this weekend as they host Orange County SC at Cashman Field. OCSC snuck past Oakland Roots SC last week to move their record to 3-2-1.