After starting the 2025 season off on the right foot, the Las Vegas Lights aim for a second win at home to continue building more momentum. The rival? Old foes and familiar faces: New Mexico United.
Head Coach Antonio Nocerino’s tenure with the Lights got off to a great start. Earning three points against a tough and experienced rival like Tampa Bay is no easy feat. But now, a new challenge looms on the horizon: New Mexico United at Cashman Field.
Read on for the keys to the match and more insight as we go deeper into this new USL Championship season.
Match: Las Vegas Lights FC vs New Mexico United
When: Saturday, March 15
Dónde: Cashman Field
Inicio: 7:30 p.m. PT
Cómo verlo: SSSEN, ESPN+
Tickets: Buy your tickets now!
Back in Time: 2024 Regular Season
Last year, Las Vegas had a rocky start to the season, earning only 11 points in their first 12 matches and facing the very real possibility of not qualifying for playoffs once again. But on Matchday 13, everything changed. The Lights, led by current New Mexico United Head Coach Dennis Sanchez, turned things around and went on an 11-match unbeaten streak, the longest in club history. The hot streak ended after a defeat at Hartford, but the team never lost faith and continued performing at a high level, ending the regular season in fourth place and making the playoffs for the first time ever.
New Mexico, on the other hand, were the most consistent team in the Western Conference, finishing at the top of the table with 59 points, seven clear of future USL Championship conquerors Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Both teams would play against each other twice in the regular season, with each club tallying one win. Curiously, both victories took place away and by the same score (2-1).
And Then, There Were Four.
Las Vegas and New Mexico would face each other one more time last season. This time, it was for a spot in the Western Conference Final. The odds were stacked in favor of the Albuquerque side, who hosted the match after finishing first in the Western Conference and had just knocked Phoenix Rising out of the competition. Meanwhile, the Lights arrived at the Conference Semifinal with high morale but low on stamina after a dramatic penalty shootout against Sacramento Republic FC.
But in the beautiful game, odds are merely a statistic. In the dying moments of the match, a counter-attack spearheaded by Khori Bennett found the back of the net and gave the Lights not only the 1-0 victory, but a chance to play for silverware for the first time in club history.
That match will certainly be on the minds of both teams, as a core of players that contributed to the 2024 playoff match are back for both clubs.
Claves del partido
He aquí tres claves a tener en cuenta el sábado por la noche:
Building Tactical Consistency
If what we saw against Tampa Bay Rowdies is a sign of things to come, then we can expect Antonio Nocerino to come out against New Mexico with a 3-4-2-1 formation.
A back three defensive line has been a constant in Nocerino’s tactical repertoire since his time at Miami FC. With three in the back, the Lights can close down any threat coming through the middle and can offer wingbacks more opportunities to both participate actively in build-up play and go higher in attack.
In midfield, the Lights present a double pivot made up of players who can contribute to the team’s defensive solidity and are also technically proficient, excelling in ball distribution and long passes.
In attack, Las Vegas is making a big bet on winning the interior lanes of the field through creativity and flair. Against Tampa Bay, Edison Azcona and Christian Pinzon were among the most active players, always looking to place themselves in 1v1 situations and attacking half spaces with mid-range shots. And in front, Johnny Rodriguez, the Lights’ star signing and a master in the art of goalscoring, is ready to take advantage of any mistakes the opposing defense could make.
The Lights’ machinery does not work like clockwork yet. That muscle memory will take time to develop, as with any new Head Coach. But there are definitely some glimpses of the team’s style of play that can give fans hope for the future.
Non-Negotiable Intensity
Among the aspects of the game that are non-negotiable for Antonio Nocerino, intensity is king.
Nocerino, who was educated in a soccer culture that puts grit above everything else, wants a team that gives its all in every single minute of the game. No contested 50/50 ball can be lost without a fight.
Intentionality matters for Nocerino. His players have to at least try, even if execution doesn’t go as expected. Pinzon’s goal against Tampa is a great example of this principle, as he applied pressure on the Rowdies’ goalkeeper in what didn’t seem like a clear goal opportunity but was rewarded for his extra running with the opportunity to score. His intensity and desire got him, and the team, a match winner.
Intensity will be the norm for the Lights this season. Don’t be surprised.
Nullifying New Mexico’s Speed
In New Mexico’s first match against Sacramento Republic FC, they opened the scoring early before falling 2-1 by the end. However, that early goal was a perfect example of the danger the side from Albuquerque presents.
Mukwelle Akale picked up a turnover in midfield and drove with pace, slicing right through the middle of the Sacramento defense before dishing it off to Greg Hurst for the game’s opening goal. On the other wing, McKinze Gaines is well known for his straight line speed. He was causing massive problems with his direct 1v1 ability.
Betweeen Akale and Gaines, Las Vegas will need to be prepped to nullify their game-breaking speed. Preventing either player from getting in behind the defense or getting exposed 1v1 or 2v1 opportunities in the buildup will be pivotal in the tactical matchup.
With a clash of identities on the horizon, tonight’s match will be one of the most interesting of the USL Championship Matchday 2.