Tacoma Defiance hand Las Vegas Lights FC their fifth consecutive loss
After defeating Tacoma Defiance twice this season to end losing streaks, Las Vegas Lights FC came up short this time. Defiance scored a late winner to defeat Las Vegas, 2-1, a fifth straight loss for the LAFC affiliate.
Key Stat
38% possession for Lights FC. While they don’t often dominate the ball, the Lights average 48% possession for the season and that low number last night, plus a 14-5 shot advantage, showcases how in control of the match Tacoma was.
Three Brightest Lights
(BGN’s Man of the Match) Eric Iloski: Continuing his emergence this season, he scored a lovely, left-footed goal from outside the box to equalize for the Lights. Playing as a right-back, he also tallied four tackles and one interception.
Julian Vasquez: Getting a rare start up top, Vasquez had two of Vegas’ four shots on target and also won three fouls.
CC Uche: He finished with five clearances and three interceptions. One of those clearances was on the goal-line to prevent an insurance goal for Tacoma late in regulation.
Quick Kicks
- Kickoff was delayed slightly for preparations, according to the broadcast, which appeared to be an issue with the pitch as there were multiple individuals focusing on one area during the pre-match stream.
- It was a short bench last night for Lights FC with only five players available as substitutes. Alongside Michael Yeboah and Tristan Weber, LAFC Academy players Abraham Ramirez, Javen Romero, and Dylan Presto were at Steve Cherundolo’s disposal.
- Mohamed Traore wore the captain’s armband last night, something that’s been worn primarily by Danny Crisostomo and CC Uche this season.
- Neither goal for Tacoma was the result of woeful defending from the Lights. The first goal felt inevitable as the ball just stayed within and around the penalty area before a header from a cross found Tom Brewitt at close range. Then, the goal from Samuel Adeniran was one of the most impressive I’ve seen this season as he was closed down on by two defenders, couldn’t get a full turn with the ball, and somehow unleashed a rocket of a shot to win the match.
- Last night’s 71% passing accuracy was a good bit below the club’s average of 80% and they connected on zero of their seven crosses.
- With the defeat, the longest losing streak of the season for the Lights continues. The five straight losses also matches the most consecutive losses in club history (September 2020).
What’s Next?
On Sunday, Las Vegas Lights FC will get their fourth chance to try and defeat Sacramento Republic FC this season. With three wins over the Lights already in 2021, Republic FC are battling for a playoff position and finished level with Los Dos on Wednesday.
