Las Vegas FC Came Up Short in a 2-1 Battle Against El Paso Locomotive FC. Johnny Rodriguez Opened the Scoring Early, but the Lights Couldn’t Contain Wilmer Cabrera Jr. Who Scored Twice to Lead El Paso to the Win
Las Vegas Lights FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night May 24 at Cashman Field. The game was tightly contested early on, with both teams finding the net before the break. Johnny Rodriguez waisted no time getting on the board when he scored in the 7′. Wilmer Cabrera Jr. opened the scoring for El Paso in the 37′ minute, but the Lights quickly responded to level it 1-1 going into halftime.
Cabrera Jr. struck again in the 64′ minute to put El Paso ahead for good. Looking to shift momentum, Head Coach Antonio Nocerino made several changes, starting the second half with Nighte Pickering and Joe Gyau before bringing on Christian Pinzon and Daouda Peeters later in the half. The Lights pushed hard for an opportunity to tie it up with close chances from Johnny Rodriguez and Christian Pinzon, but couldn’t convert late opportunities.
What They’re Saying
DEFENDER ELIAS GARTIG
On his overall thoughts on the game…
Obviously, we are very disappointed losing again. We conceded two stupid goals. Yeah, very disappointed.
On how the team bounces back before next match…
We just need to stay even closer together now and then moving forward – train harder, and just continue.
Summary
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Nigro, Howell, Gartig, Pearson (Gyau, 46′), Azcona (Pickering, 46′), Leal (Peeters, 81′), Noel (c), Boudadi, Covil (Pinzon, 71′), Rodriguez
El Paso Locomotive FC Starting XI:
Mora-Mora (GK), Ruiz, Ackwei, Ortiz (c), Quezada (Diaz, 90′), Torres (Lopez, 81′), Daroma, Calvillo, Moreno (Dollenmayer 81′), Avila (Coronado, 74′), Cabrera (Moshobane, 90′)
Goals:
LV – Johnny Rodriguez – 7’
ELP – Wilmer Cabrera Jr – 37′
ELP – Wilmer Cabrera Jr – 64′
Discipline:
LV –Yellow, Christopher Pearson – 35’
ELP – Yellow, Arturo Ortiz – 45’
LV –Yellow, Maliek Howell – 54’
LV –Yellow, Younes Boudadi – 57’
LV –Yellow, Valentin Noël – 57’
Next Up
The Las Vegas Lights return to Cashman Field on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30 PM for a showdown against Phoenix Rising FC. It’s #DonateLifeNight, presented by Nevada Donor Network – you can support the cause and sign up to be an organ donor.
Grab your tickets now at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets!