Las Vegas Lights FC and Monterey Bay FC played to a scoreless draw Saturday evening at Cashman Field. Lights forward Solomon Asante had an early chance in the 5th minute and the home side’s defense was solid, clearing several dangerous crosses from Monterey.
Midfielder Valentin Noël nearly broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a breakaway after a beautiful pass from his centerfield counterpart Ousman Jabang, but Monterey goalkeeper Carlos Herrera made a key save to keep the score level at halftime.
The Lights continued to apply pressure and create chances well into the second stanza. Forward Christian Pinzón had a golden near-post opportunity in the 53rd minute, but his strike rebounded hard off the frame and lobbed away. The club’s leading goal scorer Khori Bennett had another chance at goal just three minutes later, only to have it shot parried over Monterey’s goal by Herrera.
Monterey Bay had a few goal-scoring chances, particularly in the 88th minute when they launched a quick counterattack, but Lights defender Gennaro Nigro tracked back to stop the threat. The most dangerous look for the visitors came in the final minute of second-half stoppage time when Monterey forward Diego Gutiérrez struck from distance that sent Lights ‘keeper Raiko Arozarena diving to paw the shot away from the corner of the net and forcing the match to end in a stalemate.
Las Vegas Lights FC will return home next Saturday, September 21, at 7:30pm PT to host Sacramento Republic FC for #DonateLife Night, presented by Nevada Donor Network. Beginning at just $20 for all fans, single-match tickets to all remaining home matches are available at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Getting Creative
Las Vegas Lights FC consistently applied pressure on Monterey Bay, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match. Key chances came from Solomon Asante and Valentin Noël in the first half, while Christian Pinzón and Khori Bennett nearly found the back of the net in the second half. The Lights outshot Monterey Bay 16-8.
Lights Tie Home Unbeaten Record at Nine Games
Following the draw, the Lights tied the club’s previous home undefeated record of nine games in regular-season action, a streak that spanned two campaigns from October 2018 to June 2019.
Lights Defense Holds Strong
The Lights defense was rock solid, allowing just one shot on target throughout the match. Their defensive effort helped maintain 62% possession and kept Monterey Bay’s attack quiet, ensuring a hard-earned clean sheet at home.
SCORING SUMMARY
N/A
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
LV – Shawn Smart 15′ (caution)
MB – Christian Volesky 33′ (caution)
MB – Xavi Gnaulati 55′ (caution)
MB – Michael Gonzalez 78′ (caution)
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena, Shawn Smart (Khori Bennett 45′), Gennaro Nigro, Maliek Howell (Grayson Doody 82′), Ousman Jabang, Joe Hafferty, Soloman Asante (Vaughn Covil 87′), J.C. Ngando, Coleman Gannon (Joe Gyau 71′), Christian Pinzón (Charlie Adams 82′), Valentin Noël
Substitutes not used: George Marks, Elias Gärtig, Ali Gue
Total shots: 16
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 8
Corner kicks: 3
Offside: 4
Saves: 3
Monterey Bay FC – Carlos Herrera, Morey Doner, Kai Greene, Carlos Guzmán, Grant Robinson, Pierce Gallaway (Max Glasser 77′), Mobi Fehr, Walmer Martinez, Xavi Gnaulati (Miguel Guerrero 76′), Alex Dixon (Diego Gutiérrez 29′), Christian Volesky (Michael Gonzalez 59′)
Substitutes not used: Antony Slaha, Alejandro Lara, Ryan Dieter
Total shots: 8
Shots on goal: 1
Fouls: 8
Corner kicks: 5
Offside: 2
Saves: 7