Las Vegas Lights FC is hosting Rhode Island FC on Saturday in their first and only matchup of the season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PT at Cashman Field (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available to watch locally on SSSEN and streamed nationally on ESPN+ (subscription required).
2024 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Las Vegas: 3-3-0 (9 points, 5th West), Rhode Island: 0-1-4 (4 points, 11th East)
FORM GUIDE (all competitions, most recent first): Las Vegas: WLWWW, Rhode Island: LDDLD
FIRST MEETING: This will be the first-ever match between Las Vegas and Rhode Island, as the latter is in its inaugural season as a club.
SHORT REST: Both Vegas and Rhode Island played 120 minutes midweek in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Rhode Island fell in penalties on Tuesday to USL League One side Charlotte Independence after a thrilling 4-4 contest. The Lights defeated USL League One side Spokane Velocity 2-1 after extra time on Wednesday.
KLIMENTA SUSPENDED: Las Vegas will be without veteran center back Emrah Klimenta, who will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off last week against Monterey Bay FC.
NOËL STEPPING UP: Following his goal against Spokane midweek, Lights midfielder Valentin Noël continues his impressive first season in Vegas. The French midfielder now has three goals and an assist in six matches in all competitions.
SEARCHING FOR A WIN: Rhode Island is still seeking its first win as a club after failing to come out on top in any of its first six matches.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez
On preparing on short rest for a USL Championship match with Rhode Island FC on Saturday…
It’s not easy for either one of us. Fortunately, we’re both in relatively the same boat. They have an extra day on us in terms of recovery. But it’s really about making sure that we not only get our bodies right, but we mentally refresh as well and come back with a strong performance on Saturday.
RHODE ISLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Albert Dikwa, F
Dikwa was one of the most coveted signings of any team in the USL Championship this past offseason. He was named the USL Championship Most Valuable Player and won the Golden Boot after scoring 20 goals for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last season. The Cameroonian enters this weekend tied for seventh in the league with three goals and tied for 11th in shots with 11.
