Lights still looking for a win after OKC loss

Las Vegas Lights FC were defeated on the road by OKC Energy FC last night.

After a scoreless draw to open their season, Las Vegas Lights FC looked to get their first win of the season on the road vs. OKC Energy FC. Unfortunately, they would be handed their first defeat, losing 2-1 last night. Deshorn Brown and Omar Gordon scored for OKC and Javan Torre tallied the lone Lights goal.

Key Stats

26.7% shooting accuracy. For a second straight match, the Lights out-shot their opponent. But, when you only put four of 15 shots on target, it’s a bit of a misleading stat.

55.5% possession. With OKC comfortable playing on the counter, Lights FC held the edge in possession for the second time this season.

Four times offside. Energy FC were whistled offside four times in the match, showcasing good discipline from the Lights’ backline playing against a club that’s dangerous on the counter-attack.

15 crosses. The Lights out-crossed OKC by a 15-3 margin but only 20% of the 15 were successful.

Three Brightest Lights

💡💡💡 Pablo Cruz: He completed 86.5% of his passes from the Lights’ midfield. He created three chances and assisted on the lone goal for Las Vegas.

💡💡 Javan Torre: The central defender scored the first goal of the season for Lights FC. He launched a header past Cody Laurendi from a corner kick. He also tallied eight clearances and two interceptions.

💡 Tripa Hernandez: Serving as the primary action man for the Lights, Tripa covered a lot of ground vs. OKC. He completed 72% of his 57 passes and connected on one of his three crosses. Hernandez created two chances.

Quick Kicks

⚽ With Las Vegas pressing the action in both of their first two matches, their opponent has sat deeper and held less of the ball. It’s definitely frustrating for the Lights players and supporters, also manager Eric Wynalda. Per the club, Wynalda said post-match, “Without being condescending, I don’t think Oklahoma played a lot of soccer tonight.”

⚽ Speaking of Wynalda, I respect his decision to go for it yesterday. Feeling that the game was in reach, he made two attacking substitutions in the second half, including bringing on Edwin Rivas Jr. when the score was level.

⚽ One of his substitutes, Alex Harlley, seemed to float more towards the right wing than playing down the middle. He has quality playing out there, but I think he’s more dangerous when he’s making runs in behind the central defenders and when he can be in the area to win the ball in the air on crosses.

⚽ The lack of shots on target is the most telling stat for me this season. It shows me that the club is playing attacking soccer with their 33 shots in two matches. But, they’ve only put seven of those on frame, which indicates they need to be clinical with their shots and potentially make one more pass to set up a better shot.

⚽ After featuring primarily as a defender last season, Christian Torres has been playing in the midfield this season. It could just be a slow start, but he isn’t making a huge impact in the middle of the park. He finished with only one clearance and 40.9% accuracy on 22 passes vs. OKC.

Okay, What’s Next?

Lights FC will take their talents to Rose City when they face Portland Timbers FC 2 on Saturday. T2 opened their season with a draw before blowing out San Antonio FC this week, 3-1 in Texas. Marvin Loria scored a brace in the match.

 

Photo provided by Las Vegas Lights 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.