Lengthy suspensions could be bonding agent
The Lights FC sideline on Monday was noticeably different without technical director Jose Luis Sanchez Sola and coach Isidro Sanchez.
“It was so quiet,” defender Miguel Garduno said.
Sola and Sanchez were suspended for the match that day, a 0-0 draw at Real Monarchs SLC, and remain in limbo while the United Soccer League decides on their full punishment for unspecified actions during last Friday’s 3-1 loss to San Antonio FC.
The Lights won’t comment on the alleged actions until the USL’S final ruling later this week. The league is not saying exactly what the two did to be suspended.
But if the suspensions are lengthy, Garduno knows Lights players will have to band together like they did Monday.
“Myself, also (captain) Joel (Huiqui) and all the people on the field we had to jell because (Sola) was not there to scream at everyone,” Garduno said. “Everyone was helping. Everyone was pushing. It was a good feeling.”
While Esad Morina served as Lights interim coach for Monday’s match, strength and conditioning coach Ricardo Barrios was the one yelling instructions on the sideline. The players on the bench also appeared to be more engaged during the game with Sola and Sanchez absent.
“You saw the tightness, the brotherhood we really have on this team,” midfielder Carlos Alvarez said.
With everyone pulling together the team was able to stay organized in the back after Marcelo Alatorre was given an early red card and left the Lights short-handed for almost 80 minutes. The Lights didn’t concede a goal and earned what Garduno called “a great point” because they were on the road, without Sola and Sanchez and playing on two days of rest (compared to the Monarchs’ eight).
“We know that we can fight with anything,” Garduno said.
Alatorre suspended
Alatorre will be suspended for Saturday’s 8 p.m. game at Cashman Field against the Tulsa Roughnecks because of the red card he received Monday.
It will be the second straight game the Lights will lose a player to a red card. Defender Christian Torres had to miss the draw with the Monarchs.
The team is close to additional suspensions, as Huiqui and Garduno are one yellow card away from being forced to miss a game.
“One thing I have always talked about is that the people in this team are ready,” Garduno said. “I know they are ready for any … situation like a red card.”
Cinco de Mayo
The Lights are giving out luchador masks to the first 5,000 fans at their game Saturday. The team will also have Cinco de Mayo scarves for sale at Cashman Field for $20.
Lashbrook honored
Lights owner Brett Lashbrook was selected Citizen of the Month by the Las Vegas City Council at its Wednesday meeting.
Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @ Bensgotz on Twitter.