Real Monarchs SLC at Las Vegas Lights FC
March 30, 2019; Cashman Field; Las Vegas, Nevada
8:30 p.m. MT; ESPN+
Real Monarchs SLC (1-0-2, 5 points); Las Vegas Lights FC (0-2-1, 1 point)
Player to Watch – Midfielder Christian Hernandez has played a vital role in the Lights midfield throughout the early stages of the 2019 season. The Mexico native has a proven ability to play on both ends of the ball, going four for four with tackles, four out of eight shots on target with six chances created. Hernandez has earned himself an assist after sending in a cross from a free kick to give Las Vegas it’s lone goal against Portland Timbers 2. Having started in each of the three games played so far for the Sin City side, Hernandez will be a key piece once again in the middle of the park as Las Vegas Lights FC searches for its first win.
History – This will be the second year of the I-15 rivalry between the Monarchs and Lights FC, a rivalry which sees the Salt Lake side undefeated with a record of 1-0-1. The two teams faced each other for the first time in April last year, playing to a scoreless tie in the inaugural match at Zions Bank Stadium. Less than a month later, Real Monarchs took to Cashman Field and picked up the 2-0 win in its 100th regular-season match, courtesy of a pair of goals from Sebastian Velasquez and Josh Heard, marking his first goal in the Monarchs jersey.
Last Five – Las Vegas Lights FC have yet to secure a win so far in the 2019 season, holding a record of 0-2-1 and a single point. The last two matches were played on the road against OKC Energy FC and Portland Timbers 2, seeing the Nevada team drop the full six points in 2-1 and 3-1 score lines. With the fourth week of the season just around the corner, Las Vegas will be looking to turn its record around and secure the three points at home as it hosts the undefeated side of Real Monarchs at Cashman Field on Saturday.
