Lights FC end their home stand with a big win over OC

Las Vegas Lights FC entered a three-match home stand with only one point from four matches and zero wins. Now, they sit with eight points and two wins after another victory last night, this time against Orange County SC. After an Aodhan Quinn penalty put OC up early, Ramon Martin Del Campo equalized before Blake Frischknecht and Junior Sandoval pushed the Lights past the club that entered this week at #1 on the USL Championship Power Rankings.

Key Stats

60% shooting accuracy. Playing against a good club that had allowed only two goals entering the match, it was massive for the Lights to put nine of their 15 shots on target. When you shoot inaccurately, it’s lets the goalkeeper off the hook and the Lights didn’t do that to Frederik Due, who was forced into six saves.

Three unanswered goals. Going down early by way of a penalty, Las Vegas was in a tough spot against a really solid defensive team, granted some of their normal starters weren’t in the starting XI. But, they battled back and scored the equalizer quickly. After Rob Kiernan, a key defender for OC, came on, the Lights still were able to score their go-ahead and insurance goal in a comfortable win for the hosts.

Three Brightest Lights

Ramon Martin Del Campo: He headed home the equalizer for Lights FC and completed 41/42 passes on the night while also limiting Orange County to the lone goal via penalty.

Junior Sandoval: Scoring the final goal of the match, Sandoval’s solo effort was impressive, driving past defenders. He was able to use that ability on the ball to win four fouls on the day and he had one key pass.

Rashawn Dally: The FC Cincinnati loanee assisted on the second and third goals for Las Vegas and created three chances in total. He’s been the most consistent attacking player for the Lights, despite playing out of position as a number nine for the most part.

Quick Kicks

  • Despite the positive run at home, the Lights still remain at the bottom of the table for Group B. They have big matches coming up against Los Dos and San Diego Loyal SC, the two clubs directly above them on the table.
  • Both penalties were correctly awarded in my opinion. Junior Burgos’ attempt from the spot wasn’t great and Due made a big save for OC.
  • Frischknecht continues to show the ability to be an all-around player up top for the Lights. He came off the bench to score the match-winner, his first professional goal, and impresses with his movement, on and off the ball.
  • On loan from Minnesota United FC, Noah Billingsley racked up five tackles and four clearances in just over an hour of action at right-back for Las Vegas.
  • Raul Mendiola missed the match with an injury after he was subbed off in the first half vs. Phoenix Rising FC.
  • Another big match for Lalo Delgado between the sticks. He only conceded the penalty to OC and made seven saves on the night.

What’s Next?

Lights FC will hit the road on Sunday to face LA Galaxy II at 2 PM PT. Los Dos sit one point ahead of Las Vegas on the table and they play a midweek match tonight at Portland Timbers 2, who have lost every one of their matches.

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.