By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery will head west for their next league match to take on Las Vegas Lights FC on Fri., May 5. Kickoff at Cashman Field is set for 10:30 pm. ET.
Charleston and Las Vegas have only met one prior time, in 2022 at Patriots Point. Augi Williams struck first from the penalty spot but Lights FC would net two in response to take the game. Friday's fixture will be the second edition of the Holy City vs. Sin City.
The Battery (4W-1L-3D, 15 pts) enter the match looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. Charleston fell 1-2 at home to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a rain-soaked and weather-delayed evening. Leland Archer got on the scoresheet for the third time in his career during the match.
Lights FC (0W-1L-5D, 5 pts) are still searching for their first win of the season after being among the remaining undefeated teams in the Western Conference until recently. Las Vegas played defending champions San Antonio FC to an away 1-1 draw in their last match. Fans can expect Lights FC to play with some extra spunk in their first home match of 2023.
Augi Williams is available for selection again after serving a red card suspension last weekend.
Dante Polvara is one to watch for the Battery. The midfielder has been effective since arriving on loan from Aberdeen FC, ranking second in interceptions (14) and tackles won (13) and third in duels won (36).
Pato Botello Faz is a player to keep an eye on for Las Vegas. The Mexican striker has one goal so far this season but netted twice in his last game against the Battery (2022, with Detroit City FC).
Derek Dodson recorded his third assist of the season last match, tying him for the league lead alongside Fidel Barajas and six other players.
Las Vegas' roster is composed of entirely new players compared to last year; not a single player on the squad this season was there in 2022. Only forward Tabort Etaka Preston has previous experience with the club coming into this season, having played for Lights FC in 2019.
Friday's match will be Las Vegas' 2023 home opener. Lights FC's stadium, Cashman Field, is also shared with XFL franchise Las Vegas Vipers. Their record at home last year was 7W-7L-3D.
The match will be the second home opener the Battery are the visiting opponent for, they spoiled Sacramento Republic FC's home opener with a 1-1 draw in Week 2.
