Forward Manuel Arteaga scored his first-ever goal for the Lights in the first half to secure three points on the road.
Las Vegas Lights FC set a club record away winning streak in the USL Championship on Saturday night in Miami, Florida at Pitbull Stadium with their fourth road win in a row in the league and fifth consecutive away win in all competitions.
Forward Manuel Arteaga broke the deadlock – and his own scoreless streak – with his first-ever goal for the club late in the first half. A smooth counter attack sprung by Kyle Scott ended up with Christian Pinzon in space. He slipped his pass to Arteaga inside the box, who cut inside on his right foot and hammered the finish into the bottom right corner.
From there, it was the Charlie Lanphier show in goal for the Lights. He had already made a strong point blank save just before Arteaga’s opener, and then continued to deliver in the second half.
Most notably, in the 77th minute, the young American goalkeeper made an impressive save on Miami’s best chance to equalize, pushing the ball up and over his crossbar.
Despite a late chance for Themi Antonoglou through an Oalex Anderson breakaway, the Lights could not double their lead. However, Arteaga’s single tally was enough in the end to secure a vital 1-0 road win.
What They’re Saying
FORWARD MANUEL ARTEAGA (translated from Spanish)
On his thoughts on the team’s performance in the win…
I’m very happy. I thank God. It’s all about teamwork, and we were able to take these three points back home. It’s very important for us to keep stacking points and fighting for a chance to qualify for playoffs. I want to congratulate the rest of the guys for the effort they put in getting this important result for us.
On his first goal with the Lights…
Finally! God’s timing is perfect. For me, the most important thing is to help the group in whichever role I’m given. Today, it finally happened and I thank God for that. I have faith, and I feel very happy.
On the team’s upcoming match against Brooklyn FC
We’re taking everything step by step, as we’ve been doing so far. We work day by day, match after match. For us, every single match is a final. It’s a war. Brooklyn is going to be a difficult opponent. It’s going to be a tight game. We’re going to keep on doing our thing because things are going well right now.
HEAD COACH DEVIN RENSING
On what he thought of the performance in the win…
Yeah, it was a great game. It’s hot. These guys have worked. They’ve been warriors all game. I’m glad to see Manu get a goal. He deserves it. He’s been close so many times. I can’t say enough good things about this group. What they put in the last couple of weeks has been phenomenal.
On Manuel Arteaga’s first goal for the Lights…
He’s been close so many times. He has a big personality and he’s a big game player. I knew the goals were going to come for him. I know he’s been a little bit snakebitten, but he’s got goals in him. We know that we’ve got three very, very good forwards and I’m just happy for him.
On Kyle Scott’s performance after returning from injury…
Kyle’s special on the ball without a doubt, so he definitely adds a different dynamic to us. He was tired when we took him out. We wanted to leave him on a little bit, but I knew that he had to come out, and then we had fresh legs come off the bench that we had plenty of faith in.
Summary
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Lanphier (GK), Sessock, Ofeimu, Guillen, Antonoglou, Probo, Scott, Locker, Pinzon (c), Arteaga, Rodriguez
Miami FC Starting XI:
Room (GK), Ndiaye, Knutson, Calfo, Milesi, Riyon, Diaz, Romero, Tunbridge, Sonora, Locadia
Goals:
LV – Manuel Arteaga (assist: Pinzon) – 34′
Next Up
The Lights are back home to Cashman Field for Galactic Night next Saturday, August 15 against expansion side Brooklyn FC. Get tickets NOW at lightsfc.com/tickets.
