Lights Match Preview #23: LV at OC

After a big loss over the weekend, Las Vegas Lights FC will take on Orange County SC tonight.

As Las Vegas Lights FC continues to struggle on the road, things won’t get any easier tonight. They face Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium, the second best team in the USL’s Western Conference.

Last Time Out

Lights FC

L (4-1) vs. Saint Louis FC

Goal: Salgado

Orange County

W (4-3) vs. Phoenix Rising FC

Goals: Seaton (2), Enevoldsen, Quinn

Opposing Players to Watch

Thomas Enevoldsen: Tied for the lead in the USL’s Golden Boot race, Enevoldsen is a quality finisher and can also play well sitting behind the striker.

Aodhan Quinn: He is the engine for OCSC.’s possession-based attack. The midfielder is third in the USL in assists with nine.

Michael Seaton: Coming off a brace against Phoenix, Seaton is a big, pacey striker that can score from anywhere. He was named to the USL Team of the Week.

Three Keys to a Vegas Victory

Meet the Press

Against Rising FC, Orange County looked the most uncomfortable when their midfield and defense was getting pressed by Phoenix’s attackers. That is exactly what Las Vegas likes to do and they could steal an easy goal if they can force an error.

Let’s Get Physical

No need to sugarcoat things, the Lights are the most penalized team in the USL. They can use that physicality to wear down Orange County and make this match the least amount of fun possible. This plan may not get them a win, but it could find them taking a draw.

Special Set Pieces

Unfortunately, the Lights are the inferior team talent wise. Unlikely to simply outplay Orange County, they could use their creativity on set pieces to find a goal. Chelis and Isidro Sanchez love to draw up new schemes and routines for corner kicks and that may play a pivotal role tonight.

The More You Know

Las Vegas won’t have Joel Huiqui, Miguel Garduno, or Carlos Alvarez for tongiht’s match due to suspension.

Omar Salgado has proven to be a quality mid-season addition for Las Vegas, scoring from the spot vs. Saint Louis.

The Deets

Who: Las Vegas Lights FC at Orange County SC

When: Tonight, 7 PM Pacific Time

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium 

 

Photo courtesy of Saint Louis FC

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.