A Stefan Stojanovic worldie in the 87th minute sealed a draw for the Lights against Oakland Roots at Cashman Field.
Las Vegas Lights FC snatched a point from Oakland Roots SC in the dying moments of the game this Saturday night at Cashman Field.
Despite the amazing display of support from Lights fans, it was Oakland who would take the lead in the 29th minute through striker Peter Wilson. But two minutes later, a Johnny Rodriguez shot was deflected by Oakland’s defense to render goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh powerless and make things level.
In the 56th minute, Danny Trejo’s valiant effort went past Raiko Arozarena and gave Oakland the lead. But the Lights would have the final word via Stefan Stojanovic, whose magnificent half-volley would slowly hover into the net to give the match its final score: 2-2.
What They’re Saying
HEAD COACH DEVIN RENSING
On his overall thoughts on the match…
First of all, a big thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting us. It hasn’t been the season that we wanted, but my mentality was just to keep fighting, keep fighting and keep fighting.
They did that towards the end and they battled the whole game. I was glad that they got a result.
On seeing the fans come out to support…
This is why you do it. For them to come out and enjoy the night, I hope we gave them some excitement. We wish we could get 3 points, but we battled towards the end and we gave it everything.
On his thoughts on Stefan and his impact…
[Stefan Stojanovic] got to continue to keep working hard and holding the ball. He’s our first line of defense and pressing is a big part of what we do and he does it pretty well – I think he can get a little bit better at it.
I’m happy that he got a goal tonight, he deserved it. He’s just got to keep working hard and keep plugging away, chances will fall for him.
FORWARD JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ
On playing against his former team, Oakland Roots…
I think it was a very entertaining game. Personally, I was really excited to play this one. Obviously, we didn’t take home the three points, but we worked hard and we were lucky enough to get a result.
On his takeaways from past matches to finish the season strong…
It’s been a tough season. Hopefully the fans are pleased with the performance that we put out there tonight. And, you know, hopefully in the last two matches we can bring back six points and then end the season on the right note.
On the fan turnout…
It was very special. It’s always good to see the community come out and support. We’re very grateful for them. I know that sometimes some games are harder to come to, so… just grateful for everybody that showed up tonight.
Summary
Lights Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Boudadi, Herbert, Gartig, Nigro, O’Driscoll (Leal, 68′), Probo, Covil (Pickering, 68′), McNamara (c), Rodriguez, Stojanovic
Oakland Roots SC Starting XI: McIntosh, Armenakas (Prentice, 46′), Hackshaw, Margvelashvili, Riley (Damm, 90′), Elmasnaouy (Green, 60′), Gibson (c), Gomez, Trejo (Alekseev, 84′), Wilson, Bettache (Doner, 60′)
Goals:
OAK – Peter Wilson – 29′
LV – Johnny Rodriguez – 31’
OAK – Danny Trejo – 56′
LV – Stefan Stojanovic – 87′
Discipline:
LV –Yellow, Rory O’Driscoll – 42’
LV –Yellow, Gennaro Nigro – 49’
OAK –Yellow, Camden Riley – 52’
LV –Yellow, Anthony Herbert – 88’
LV –Yellow, Younes Boudadi – 89’