Las Vegas Lights FC is visiting Oakland Roots SC on Saturday in their first of two meetings this season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Cal State University, East Bay’s Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, Calif.
WHERE TO WATCH: The match is available to watch on the Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network (SSSEN) and streamed nationally on ESPN+ (subscription required).
2024 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Lights FC: 1-2-0 (3 points, 10th West), Roots SC: 1-1-1 (4 points, 5th West)
PREVIOUS MEETING: The Lights defeated the Roots 3-1 on Sept. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas. Johnny Rodriguez opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, but a goal from Azriel Gonzalez and a brace from Tyler Bagley in the second half secured all three points for Vegas.
ALBA AND AZCONA RETURN: Forward Riki Alba and midfielder Edison Azcona should be available for Head Coach Dennis Sanchez this weekend after being away on international duty for the Dominican Republic Senior Team and Dominican Republic U-23s, respectively. Azcona assisted Alba in the latter’s club home opener against FC Tulsa in Week 2.
NGANDO ON TEAM OF THE WEEK: The USL Championship named Lights midfielder J.C. Ngando to the Week 3 Team of the Week bench for his efforts in Las Vegas’s 1-0 win over El Paso Locomotive. The dynamic central midfielder recorded five interceptions and created three chances, including setting up the match-winner to Fabien Garcia.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Las Vegas Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez
On the win over El Paso:
“The message to the group has been simple. We know we’re going to score goals, so we need to ensure that we’re giving ourselves the best chance of being successful, which means limiting opportunities for the opposition.”
On what’s he looking for out of his team in Oakland:
“A consistent theme that we’ve seen with our group is that they’re competitive and they never give up. When we get leads, it’s important that we find a second, we find a third, that we put teams away when we have momentum.”
Las Vegas Lights FC midfielder Valentin Nöel
On the team’s chemistry in attack to start the season:
“It’s a matter of creating connections and understanding each other. ‘How can I put my teammate in the best position for him to be able to perform?’”
OAKLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Johnny Rodriguez, F
Rodriguez’s 12 goals last season were tied for 12th in the USL Championship, with one of his tallies coming against Las Vegas last September.
