USL Sacramento Republic FC

Know Your Opponent: Las Vegas Lights FC

Published on May 7, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


After securing 3 points in a 1-0 season opening win at LA Galaxy II, all attention is fully focused on Republic FC's opponent for the home opener at Heart Health Park - Las Vegas Lights FC.

Key Moves for Lights FC

Las Vegas made a handful of positive additions during the offseason but perhaps the most noticeable one was the announcement of a new head coach - former U.S. Men's National Team stalwart Steve Cherundolo.

Cherundolo was appointed the position when Las Vegas announced its partnership with MLS juggernaut LAFC.

Another new name that might look familiar is Eric Iloski, as the defender now joins his brothers Brian and Milan in the professional ranks after previously impressing at UCLA.

Lights FC acquired a pair of midfielders who could both routinely be positive presences on the pitch - Michael Yeboah and Daniel Crisostomo. Yeboah joined on loan from Ghana's Accra Great Olympics where he scored four goals in 16 appearances - including two goals in February that earned him a nomination for the Player of the Month in the Ghana Premier League. Crisostomo brings Championship experience from his time with Orange County SC where he made more than 40 appearances.

Another intriguing acquisition for Las Vegas was goalkeeper Duncan Turnbull who joins on-loan from English-club Portsmouth FC.

Las Vegas Last Season

During a shortened season in 2020, Lights FC finished fifth in a strong Group B division by posting a 2-5-9 record.

Las Vegas has yet to qualify for the USL Championship playoffs, but there's definitely a buzz about the club this season with a new coach at the helm and a new partnership with MLS-side LAFC.

Lights FC will look to create more offensive chances this season after last year's campaign that saw the club register the 7th most shots in the Western Conference with 252. However, the Sin City club registered the fourth-lowest goal conversion rate in the conference with 13% along with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

Defensively, Las Vegas surrendered the fifth-most goals in the league with 34 last season.

Head-to-Head

In just four matches all-time, the Indomitable Club has secured victory over Las Vegas once during league play.

The boys in Old Glory Red's lone win over Lights FC was a 1-0 win in Sacramento in October 2018 with Cameron Iwasa netting the game-winner in the 55th minute.

The midweek match between the two Pacific Division opponents will be just the third meeting in the California capital.

Last Time They Met

It's been well over a year since these two clubs last clashed.

A midweek matchup in early August of 2019 was the last time Las Vegas and Sacramento squared up against one another - a fixture that finished with a nil-nil score line.

During the match, SRFC midfielder Jaime Villarreal went head-to-head against his brother, Jose, and Dariusz Formella entered the match as a second half substitute - his first-ever appearance for the boys in Old Glory Red since joining the club just days before.

Wednesday's home opener at the newly named Heart Health Park is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+, KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 7, 2021


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