After three wins in a row in all competitions, the Lights are faced with a golden opportunity to make it four and seek vengeance against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Read on for the keys to the match as the Lights prepare for an intense 2024 Western Conference Final rematch at Cashman Field.
Match: Las Vegas Lights FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
When: Saturday, May 10
Where: Cashman Field
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT
How to Watch: ESPN+, FOX5
Tickets: Buy your tickets now!
Pain.
They say time heals all wounds. But… this still hurts.
On November 16, 2024, the Lights’ USL Championship trophy-lifting aspirations came to a halt in the Western Conference Final. A 38th minute half-volley from Panamanian forward Juan David Tejada kissed the net and earned the Switchbacks a ticket to the Championship Final.
Despair.
It was a painful blow for Vegas, who were on a spectacular run of form after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in club history. However, despite the sting inflicted by this defeat, the team’s performance throughout the playoffs was clear evidence that the club was finally, after many years of poor results, on the right track. Las Vegas Lights FC, now under Jose Bautista’s ownership, was a force to be reckoned with.
The 2024 season and all the lessons learned have served as the building blocks for the current season, and things are looking very different now. But the thirst for vengeance is still there. Midfielder Valentin Noël expressed a desire to “settle some accounts” on Saturday, making this rematch one to keep an eye on for both fans and neutrals.
Same Clubs. Different Realities.
Things have changed for Las Vegas Lights FC. The 2024 Lights played a free-flowing, possession-based soccer. The 2025 Lights, now under Antonio Nocerino, prioritize defensive stability and intentionality with the ball over possession; tactical balance over excessive risk-taking.
Meanwhile, the Switchbacks seem to be a shadow of their 2024 USL Championship winning selves, unable to assemble a solid defensive setup. Their permeable back line has led to them being one of the worst-performing clubs when it comes to goals conceded, allowing 1.9 goals per match.
The results speak for themselves: while the Lights are looking for their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, the Switchbacks are dreaming of their first USL Championship win since March 29th, when they defeated Indy Eleven away by a score of 3-2.
But the teams’ distinct realities must not dupe fans into thinking that the Lights will bag the three points effortlessly, for there are no easy rivals in the USL Championship.
Keys to the Match
Here are three keys to look out for on Saturday night:
Be Careful With Justin Dhillon
Justin Dhillon is, without a doubt, the Switchbacks’ most dangerous player. Dhillon has scored five goals and given out one assist this season (a goal contribution every 82 minutes), being directly involved in six of the team’s thirteen goals – nearly half.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Dhillon is the lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation usually employed by Head Coach James Chambers. Because of his height and strength, he’s deployed as a target man whose excellent hold-up play allows the Switchbacks to have a strong numerical presence in every attack. He’s also dangerous in set pieces, with his stature allowing him to soar above opposing defenders with little effort.
If the Lights want to win against the Switchbacks, they must keep Justin Dhillon in check and not allow him to get comfortable with the ball. Keep an eye on the battle between him and the Lights’ towering center back, Elias Gartig.
Non-Stop Attack
As mentioned previously, the Switchbacks have not showcased a strong defensive system so far. They concede an average of 1.9 goals per match, the third worst record in the USL Championship this season. They are also the sixth team with the most saves per match, with 2.6. They get attacked on… a lot. Every game. And from a disciplinary standpoint, they’re the fifth team with the most yellow cards (22) and the most red cards (3).
What does this all mean? It means that there will be space to generate high-quality chances. There will be fouls that will result in set piece opportunities. Their back line will make a mistake or two here and there. All that is necessary to win is for the Lights’ attack to have a good day, like the ones they’ve been having as of lately.
Whether it’s Johnny Rodriguez or Nighte Pickering up front, there will be opportunities galore. They must be seized.
Raiko’s Clutch Factor
Having a trustworthy goalkeeper can take a team from good to great. Raiko Arozarena takes the Lights’ defense to another level.
After a Team of the Week worthy performance against Loudoun United FC, Arozarena is now on the lookout for his fifth shutout of the season in seven USL Championship matches. In front he’ll have a rival with an attack that makes up for the team’s sloppy defending, with thirteen goals scored in eight matches (1.6 goals per match).
Whether it’s saving penalties or making seemingly impossible reflexive saves, Arozarena’s clutch factor has been a defining factor in the Lights early successes this season, and will continue to be a factor on Saturday against the Switchbacks and as the year goes on.