Lights Match Preview #22: LV at STL
After another home victory, the Lights head to the Lou to face Saint Louis FC.
Las Vegas Lights FC secured their fourth straight victory at home last Saturday against RGVFC. Now, they travel to the Midwest to take on Saint Louis FC.
Last Time Out
Lights FC
W (1-0) vs. RGVFC
Goal: Huiqui
Saint Louis
W (2-0) vs. Sounders 2
Goals: Greig, Ledbetter
Last Time They Met
The Lights topped Saint Louis FC 1-0 at Cashman Field, thanks to a goal from Raul Mendiola.
Opposing Players to Watch
Kyle Greig: Saint Louis’ leading scorer has eight goals on the campaign. He scored in the club’s last outing and is a physical presence to deal with up top.
Lewis Hilton: While Greig is the club’s best finisher, Hilton is the best table-setter. He has a club-high 34 chances created and four assists. The Lights will need to know where he is at all times.
Sean Reynolds: The lockdown defender for a very solid defensive side. Reynolds is top three on the club in duels won, clearances, interceptions, blocks, and other categories.
Three Keys to a Vegas Victory
Under Pressure
You know the Lights’ model for victory: Press, chaos, and anarchy. The visitors will need to make the match as uncomfortable as possible for the Saint Louis FC players. If they can put the heat on their back line and goalkeeper when the ball is at their feet, they could come away with an easy goal.
Keep the Clean Sheets Coming
Ricardo Ferrino enters this match off of a massive shutout against RGVFC. If the Lights’ keeper can turn in a similar performance on the road where he’s struggled, it will take the pressure of scoring a lot of goals off of the attack.
A Draw Isn’t the Worst Thing
While we’ve reached a time where wins are massive for a playoff push, Las Vegas has to know that settling for a draw is better than playing too aggressive and losing. If the pace of the match is favoring Saint Louis, the Lights should be willing to sit back and play for the tie. If they have the upper hand, there’s no reason not to attack, just do so responsibly. Coming away with zero points would be very unfortunate.
The More You Know
Ricardo Ferrino was named to the USL Team of the Week after a huge performance against the Toros.
James Murphy was recalled from his loan by LAFC.
Carlos Alvarez is still out on suspension.
The Deets
Who: Las Vegas Lights FC at Saint Louis FC
When: Tonight, 5:30 PM Pacific Time
Where: Toyota Stadium