USL Championship 2020: Las Vegas Lights vs Phoenix Rising – tactical analysis

Phoenix Rising traveled to Las Vegas to take on Las Vegas Lights FC in their USL Championship match on Friday. Rising was playing in their third game in seven days, looking to pick up three points as they had done in the previous two matches. Early on, it appeared they would do just that; Rising had numerous opportunities that they were unable to capitalise on. Their inability to finish their chances ultimately led to a frustrating night, as Las Vegas was able to make a comeback and split the points with a 3-3 draw.

This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Rick Schantz and Frank Yallop in their 3-3 draw. The analysis will explore how Phoenix used their back link in an attempt to draw out defenders, how they relied on their qualitative superiority of their wingers, and how Las Vegas attempted to disorganise the Rising defence through their passing.

Lineups

Frank Yallop sent out Las Vegas in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Lalo Delgado in goal. Their two centre-backs Johnny Fenwick and Ramón Martín del Campo. The left-back on the evening was Jordan Murrell and their right-back was Mobi Fehr. The two holding midfielders were Seth Moses and José Carrera García; in front of them was Junior Sandoval, who was flanked by Raúl Mendiola on the right and Bryan de la Fuente on the left. Their starting striker for the evening was Rashawn Dally.

Rick Schantz made five changes from their 4-1 victory against LA Galaxy II on Wednesday; one of them was starting Eric Dick in goal. Rising kept their Barcelona-like 4-3-3 shape as Owusu-Ansah Kontoh started as the left-back, with Corey Whelen and A. J. Cochran as centre-backs, and Darnell King as the right-back. Kevon Lambert was the holding midfielder with Jon Bakero and Sam Stanton as the other two central midfielders. The front three consisted of Junior Flemmings on the left-wing, Solomon Asanté on the right-wing, and new signing Rufat Dadashov, who has spent time in the lower leagues of the Bundesliga, as the centre-forward.