Las Vegas Lights FC pulled off an extraordinary 2-1 comeback win against the defending USL Championship title holders Phoenix Rising FC with two goals in stoppage time. The dramatic victory sees the Lights eclipse its single-season club points record (46 points) and tie its franchise record for the most wins in a single season (12 win) with four games remaining in the regular season.
The game began with both teams trying to find their rhythm, with Las Vegas creating solid chances. Lights defender Gennaro Nigro’s curling shot in the 24th minute forced Phoenix goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo into a diving save to push the attempt wide. Rising responded seven minutes later when an in-swinging kick from the corner connected with midfielder Charlie Dennis for a header that ricocheted off the Lights’ crossbar. Both defenses held firm as both teams entered the locker room goalless at the half.
The second stanza saw more intense action with Phoenix taking the lead in the 60th minute. Phoenix’s Rémi Cabral capitalized on a loose ball in close range of Lights’ goal with a charging blow that saw the ball in the back of the net and the midfielder colliding with Vegas goaltender Raiko Arozarena.
Las Vegas struggled to find clear chances but remained disciplined, with key defensive moments like Nigro’s sliding tackle in the 57th minute preventing Phoenix from extending their lead. Lights forward Valentin Noël’s midfield long-range shot in the 54th minute was tipped over the bar, keeping Phoenix ahead.
As the game reached its final minutes, it seemed Phoenix would walk away with the win. However, in stoppage time, midfielder J.C. Ngando stepped up in the 96th minute with a brilliantly placed free kick that soar over the wall of Rising players and past Rios Novo to bring the Lights level. Three minutes later, Defender Grayson Doody delivered a cross from outside the 18-yard box in the 99th minute – with in a minute of him coming subbing into the game – that flung through traffic and into the side netting to secure a crucial three points on the road.
Las Vegas Lights FC will return to Cashman Field next Saturday, October 5, to host Orange County SC for its annual Kick Cancer Night, presented by Comprehensive Cancer Centers and Desert Radiology. Tickets start at just $20 for the 7:30 p.m. PT kickoff, and for all remaining home matches, and are available at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Stunning Stoppage-Time Comeback: Las Vegas Lights FC pulled off an incredible late-game turnaround, scoring two goals in stoppage time to steal a 2-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC.
Record-Setting Night: With the win, Las Vegas tied the club record for most wins in a season and set a new record for most points earned in a single season.
Key Defensive Plays: Strong defensive efforts, especially from Nigro and JC Ngando, kept Las Vegas in the game and set up their late-game heroics.
SCORING SUMMARY
PHX – Rémi Cabral 60’ (Assist: Jearl Margaritha)
LV – J.C. Ngando 90+6’
LV – Grayson Doody 90+9’ (Assist: Joe Gyau)
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
PHX – Pape Boye 17’ (Caution)
PHX – Mohamed Traore 70′ (Caution)
LV – Ousman Jabang 74′ (Caution)
PHX – Alejandro Fuenmayor 86′ (Caution)
LV – Khori Bennett 90+1’ (Caution)
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Phoenix Rising FC – Rocco Rios Novo, Laurence Wyke, Mohamed Traore, Pape Boye, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Rémi Cabral (Darius Johnson 63′), Jearl Margaritha (Dariusz Formella 87′), Charlie Dennis (Giulio Doratiotto 87′), John Scearce, Edgardo Rito (Renzo Zambrano 63′), Thomás Angel (Juan Azócar 75′)
Substitutes not used: Patrick Rakovsky, Christopher Grote, Jamison Ping, Gabriel Torres,
Total shots: 6
Shots on goal: 1
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 5
Offside: 1
Saves: 3
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena, Shawn Smart, Gennaro Nigro (Grayson Doody 90+6′), Maliek Howell (Elias Gärtig 90+6′), Ousman Jabang (Vaughn Covil 78′), Joe Hafferty, Soloman Asante (Coleman Gannon 78′), J.C. Ngando, Christian Pinzón (Joe Gyau 74′), Valentin Noël, Khori Bennett
Substitutes not used: George Marks, Edison Azcona
Total shots: 18
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 12
Corner kicks: 10
Offside: 1
Saves: 5
