Frankly, the Las Vegas Lights might be what Tacoma Defiance used to be — an MLS2 side that can only succeed on the pitch when a half-dozen or more MLS players join the side. The Lights’ losing streak was longer than Tacoma’s and didn’t have an eight-match unbeaten run. Being coached by a USMNT legend doesn’t do much when there isn’t the talent.

Tacoma is coached by a local legend and with talent. They start the night in 6th place, but can climb to 4th with a win and a favorable result by Sacramento. Defiance could even be a mere point out of 3rd. A Wednesday night win would go far towards the 2021 ambitions of Webber, Lagerwey and the rest involved in the Tacoma project.

Why You Should Watch

• Left Wing of Death and Destruction: Wade Webber ran Sam Adeniran out on the left wing last weekend and it was perfect. Adeniran was the USL Championship Player of the Week, scoring a hattrick while showing the strongest integration with the squad ever.
• Lines of Pain: Orange County couldn’t figure out how to go through Tacoma’s latest twist on the 3-4-3 (call it a 3-1-3-3?) and there’s little reason to think that hapless Vegas can. The three formal lines of confrontation sit wide and allow on of the DMs able to sweep through-balls. The front pesters just enough to be a plague.
• Destiny: Tacoma’s destiny has never been given to it. All earned, never given. They have to earn it every match. Tonight is about regaining control and daring to dream.
• Help from Above: With the Sounders off this week there is a strong chance that some of the Rave Green come down to help out. That’s cool. It’s also cool that Lamar Neagle is filling in for me while I watch from afar, near the historical birthplace of D&D.

How to Watch

Match date/kickoff time: Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 PM PT

Venue: Cheney Stadium | Tacoma, Washington

Online Streaming: ESPN+

Defiance Absences: There are no injuries to report. Sota Kitahara is on loan to FC Pinzgau Saalfelden in Austria until the end of 2021. Azriel Gonzalez is on loan to FC Edmonton through the 2021 CPL season.

Lights: to be announced