Las Vegas Lights open season against Austin Bold FC on Saturday

Las Vegas Review-Journal

6 years ago

Las Vegas Lights' Daigo Kobayashi (44) leaps for a kick during a game at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-Journal @Erik_Verduzco — Las Vegas Lights’ Daigo Kobayashi (44) leaps for a kick during a game at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-Journal @Erik_Verduzco

Las Vegas Lights FC coach Eric Wynalda talks to season-ticket purchasers at Cashman Field on Saturday, Nov. 17. The former soccer star lost his home on Nov. 9 in the deadly California wildfires. (Las Vegas Lights/Harry Ruiz)

■ Who: Lights FC vs. Austin Bold FC

■ What: USL regular-season opening match.

■ When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

■ Where: Cashman Field

■ TV: KVCW-DT (Channel 12). Radio: Spanish only, KENO (1460 AM)

■ Tickets: Starting at $15 each at LightsFC.com/Tix.

■ Promotion: Guarantee win day: If the Lights don’t win, then the everyone in attendance will get a ticket to the next home match on March 30.

■ Lights FC outlook: This is the beginning of the Lights’ second season. It is the first regular-season game for new coach Eric Wynalda, a soccer legend for the U.S. The Lights finished the preseason with a 7-0-1 record. They outscored their opponents 31-9. Three of their five returnees from last season are Las Vegas natives (goalies Thomas Olsen, Angel Alvarez and midfielder Matt Thomas). The roster features players born in six countries and citizenship from 11 countries. Zappos Tailgate Party begins at 5:30 p.m.

■ Rapids outlook: This is the first game for the expansion Bold, which is coached by Marcelo Serrano. The top players are former Liga MX/Necaxa player Xavier Baez and Brazilian Andre Lima. The team also features former Portland Timbers defender Amobi Okugo.

— Las Vegas Review-Journal