Forwards Johnny Rodriguez and Oalex Anderson scored one goal apiece to keep the Lights pushing forward in their playoff pursuit
Las Vegas Lights FC won 2-0 over Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday night.
The Lights took an lead early in the first half courtesy of now all-time club leading goalscorer Johnny Rodriguez. Giorgio Probo masterfully controlled the ball in midfield and delivered a perfect pass to forward Rodriguez, whose rocket from outside the box was unstoppable for Orange County SC guardian Alex Rando.
Following the Lights’ first goal, the team retreated into a more conservative formation, defending the one-goal advantage with concentration and grit.
When it seemed as if the match would end in a lone goal victory, Oalex Anderson scored a second for the Lights in stoppage time after a phenomenal counter-attack where he displayed his blistering speed and exquisite finishing.
The Lights now pivot to next Saturday’s match, where they’ll face Hartford Athletic for Hispanic Heritage Night at Cashman Field. The playoff push continues. The team is gaining momentum.
What They’re Saying
HEAD COACH DEVIN RENSING
On his overall thoughts on three points earned in Orange County…
Yeah, it’s a tough game. I mean, it’s a tough opponent. Everyone’s fighting for playoffs, and I couldn’t be more proud of the guys.
On what got Johnny to the point of becoming the Lights’ all-time top goalscorer…
It’s credit to him. I’d like to say that it was me, but it’s Johnny. I knew he was going to have a response this game. He’s one of the captains and one of the leaders. We had a letdown last game, and he looked at me in the eye during training this week and said: Coach, I got you. And I believed him, and he came out on fire. Great goal.
On his message to the players and fans as we head into the final stretch of the playoffs push…
I want the team to enjoy themselves tonight and get some rest. (They’re) obviously getting a little banged up and recovery at this stage of the year is really important, and fine tuning a couple of things and then be ready for a fight next Saturday.
To the fans, keep coming out. We need you. We haven’t given you what we have expected at home, and we’re gonna put it all on the line on Saturday. Excited to see you guys.
FORWARD CHRISTIAN PINZON
On his thoughts and emotions after coming back to Southern California…
I think most important thing was getting these three points. We had a bad little streak of not picking up points, but I’m happy to get back on the score sheet and hopefully we keep winning games from here on out.
On his message to the rest of the players for the final stretch of matches in the playoff push…
Every game’s a final from here on now. Each point, each game is critical. So we have to focus on one game at a time and get those three points.
On his message to the fans as we play our final three matches at Cashman Field…
Keep supporting us, keep coming out how you guys have always done. We’re going to do our job to try to give you guys a show and have some pride at home and get three points.
Summary
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Henry (GK), Sessock, Ofeimu, Jones, Pope (Antonoglou, 86′), Probo, Ybarra, Locker (Leal, 86′), Pinzon (c), Anderson, Rodriguez (Arteaga, 43′ (Guillen, 90′))
Orange County SC Starting XI:
Rando (GK), Lindsey (Espy, 90′), Brewitt (c), Tubbs, Doghman, Sylla (Palomino, 76′), Kelly, Hegardt, Wathuta (Zubak, 76′), MacKinnon, Bazini (Bunbury, 68′)
Goals:
LV – Johnny Rodriguez (assist: Giorgio Probo) – 13’
LV – Oalex Anderson (assist: Patrick Leal) – 90+5′
Discipline:
LV – Yellow, Arteaga – 45+2’
LV – Yellow, Pope – 45+5’
OC – Yellow, Sylla – 45+6’
LV – Yellow, Probo – 75’
LV – Yellow, Anderson – 90+6’
Next Up
The Lights return to Cashman Field to face Hartford Athletic for Hispanic Heritage Night on September 19. Get tickets now at lightsfc.com/tickets.
