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.