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Festive Air Accompanies Silver State Cup Opener

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 03/23/18, 5:09PM EDT

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Las Vegas, Reno anticipate big atmosphere for first encounter on Saturday night


Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

LAS VEGAS – The feeling of festivity was in the air on Friday afternoon at Red Rock Harley-Davidson as Las Vegas Lights FC introduced new club mascot Cash ahead of Saturday’s inaugural home opener against Silver State Cup rival Reno 1868 FC at Cashman Field (11 p.m. ET | Match Center).

In fact, the feud between the two Nevada clubs has built up a healthy sense that the first meeting between the two clubs should be a grand occasion, with the ribbing leaders from both clubs gave the other in the official announcement of the rivalry trophy’s name highly good-humored.

When the whistle blows, however, both sets of players know there is a job to be done and the fun and games will be set aside. For Las Vegas, the opportunity to build on a valuable 3-2 victory the side claimed in its season-opener against Fresno FC is a major one.

“We said right after the game at Fresno – ‘How many games do we have left? 33 now,’” Lights FC midfielder Julian Portugal said this week. “We’re well aware of where we’re at. It’s the first game, with a very long road ahead. We enjoyed the win, but we’re over that, and we’re focused on Reno now.

“We’re not letting anything get to our heads.”

Lights FC’s victory spoiled the party for the Foxes, who welcomed a stellar crowd of 7,769 fans to their home opener at Chukchansi Park. Now Las Vegas is hoping its rival won’t manage the same at Cashman Field, which is expecting another big crowd for the affair. Lights FC averaged 7,865 fans for its three games against MLS opposition this preseason at the venue and is aiming to bring another big crowd for a historic night.

“I need it full, I need a sellout,” said Lights FC Technical Director Chélis. “The team is for the fans. The players have a very big job, and the show is for the people. I have had a dream that Cashman Field, Saturday night, is full.”


Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

With 1868 FC coming in off a 4-3 loss to the Swope Park Rangers last Saturday in a snow-swept game at Greater Nevada Field, getting off the mark with a win would be a nice fillip for Reno, regardless of the circumstances of the contest. That said, the visitors are looking forward to the atmosphere both sets of fans should generate which could create a heightened energy on the field.

“There should be a good crowd there,” said Reno Head Coach Ian Russell. “Players like having big crowds whether they are home or away. It will give us a boost just as much as that gives them a boost.”

The contest will also see both Danny Musovski and Kevin Partida return to the city where they starred collegiately for UNLV, another wrinkle in a game that features numerous local storylines.

“It’s going to be a cool experience. Being a part of their home opener, there is going to be a lot of people there, so we’ll enjoy the atmosphere,” said Musovski. “We’ll be playing against a couple of our old teammates, so it’ll be a good matchup.”

At the end of the night, though, one team could have a sizeable edge in the battle for bragging rights. With two games to come later this season at Greater Nevada Field, the opening weekend is firmly behind both sides as they look to gain the upper hand in the series, and three valuable points in the standings overall.

“The biggest team in Nevada, I think is the Las Vegas Lights,” said Chélis. “But they must show that on Saturday. We’ve forgotten the first game, and this is a new story.” 

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