Las Vegas Lights FC suffer their first home defeat of 2021, losing to OCSC

After picking up four points from their first two home matches of 2021, Las Vegas Lights FC took the loss at Cashman Field last night vs. Orange County SC, 3-1. Roberto Molina opened the scoring for Lights FC, but a brace from Ronaldo Damus and a late score from Rob Kiernan canceled that out.

Key Stat

Three second-half goals conceded. In the rough stretch of four losses to start the season, Lights FC conceded a majority of their goals in the second half. After carrying a lead into the dressing room last night, the defense was not as sharp in the second half and doomed Las Vegas.

Three Brightest Lights

Roberto Molina: He scored his first professional goal to give Lights FC the lead in the first half. The teenager added two key passes.

Danny Musovski: Starting up top for the Lights, the LAFC loanee was able to assist on Molina’s goal and created four chances on the night. He did well to get towards the endline and cut the ball back to Molina & Co.

Frank Daroma: Per usual, he served as the primary outlet in the midfield for Lights FC. He completed 88% of his passes, tallied three interceptions, and one chance created.

Quick Kicks

  • The Lights were the more dangerous side in the first half, especially towards the end of the first 45 minutes. But, they could only find one goal and that proved to be costly.
  • The dynamic of the match completely switched after the break when OC took control of the action in the attacking half. Damus found two goals within the first five minutes of the second half.
  • Conceding two goals from long throw-ins is unacceptable from Lights FC. Just not locked in enough with their marking and outmuscled in the air by a physical OC side.
  • CC Uche returned to the starting backline and reclaimed the captain’s armband back.
  • Right-back Julian Gaines has been one of the players tested most this season, but he kept things quiet down his side last night.
  • Without Bryce Duke or Cal Jennings, Steve Cherundolo had to slightly adjust his lineup (which was accurately predicted in our match preview). He also handed debuts to Armando Avila, Christopher Jaime, and Marvin Gamez.
  • While Las Vegas certainly missed both players, it was an exciting night for Duke and Jennings as they both appeared for LAFC in their draw vs. Houston Dynamo.

What’s Next?

Another tough home matchup coming up next week for Las Vegas Lights FC. San Diego Loyal SC will come to Sin City after picking up an upset win over Phoenix Rising FC last night.

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.