Super Swirl Summary: LV 1, OC 3

Despite scoring first and being up a man for most of the second half, it was another road loss for Las Vegas Lights FC.

Last night’s match was expected to be a difficult one for Las Vegas Lights FC. They were taking on the #2 team in the Western Conference, on the road, without three of their key players. But, the visitors actually had things fall their direction, scoring the first goal and playing up a man for most of the second half. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take advantage and lost 3-1 to a 10-man Orange County SC.

After each team battled to establish their desired pace early on, it was Matt Thomas that opened the mid-week match’s scoring. Eric Avila found him at the far post and his header rang off the crossbar. Neither of the Orange County defenders closed him out and he headed home the rebound in the 16th minute.

Orange County would equalize with Michael Seaton finding Thomas Enevoldsen streaking down the right flank. The veteran forward beat Ricardo Ferrino for his league-leading 14th goal. Enevoldsen would flip roles with Seaton on the next goal, controlling the ball in the box before setting up Seaton’s quality finish. The scoreline stayed 2-1 into halftime.

As things tend to do in Lights FC matches, some craziness ensued. On a dangerous chance for the Lights in the 56th minute, OC keeper Andre Rawls cut out the attack, but he used his hands outside the penalty area. He was shown an immediate red card, forcing OC to sub off an outfield player to bring on Casey Beyers in goal. Now, playing up a man, Lights FC tried to push for an equalizer. Surprisingly, it would actually be Orange County scoring. Enevoldsen played Seaton into a wide open attacking half and the Jamaican was able to outpace the defenders and tap the ball past Ferrino. The scoreline would hold 3-1, dropping Las Vegas to 7-5-11.

While Orange County was shorthanded on the pitch, Las Vegas was undermanned in their matchday squad. They only had three outfield substitutes, missing suspended players Miguel Garduno, Joel Huiqui, and Carlos Alvarez. Also, Sammy Ochoa was not available for the first time this season for Lights FC. The club will look to bounce back against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday at Cashman Field. It is UFC Night with multiple fighters scheduled to be in attendance.

Photo courtesy of Orange County SC

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.