Manuel Arteaga scored a second-half goal to earn the Lights a valuable point at home against Hartford Athletic
Las Vegas Lights FC drew 1-1 against Hartford Athletic at Cashman Field on Saturday night.
The Lights were dominant throughout the first half, but conceded a penalty in the 33rd minute of action that Hartford took advantage of to put themselves in front.
The second half wasn’t any different, as the Lights continued pushing forward in the pursuit of three points against a tightly-sealed Hartford Athletic defensive setup.
The team’s efforts were finally rewarded in the 25th minute of the second half, when Manuel Arteaga pounced on the ball following a set of rebounds inside the box to make things level.
The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with both teams earning a point as they continue
The Lights now set sights on their next rivals: Sacramento Republic FC on September 30 at Heart Health Park.
What They’re Saying
HEAD COACH DEVIN RENSING
On his overall thoughts on the match…
The guys battled. It was a hard-fought point. I thought we battered them. I thought we made their goal and made big-time saves. You know, we were just short on a couple ones. It was a red card. The refs made a bad mistake. We got a point and we got to look forward to these last games.
On what this team need to do to get over the line…
We need to win games. I mean, it’s pretty simple. I think that first, we need to get some rest, get a couple guys healthy. When you get Johnny back healthy, which he was a warrior tonight, unlucky on one shot. We knew it was going to come down the wire. I have the utmost faith in this group and we just got to go out there and perform.
FORWARD MANUEL ARTEAGA
On his thoughts after the match…
The truth is that we’re sad because we wanted to win. We drew the match quickly and had a couple of chances to take the lead, but this is soccer. We need to stay positive and keep our head up high. There are still some matches left that we have to win to achieve what we all want to achieve, which is qualifying for playoffs.
On how he feels after scoring the game-tying goal…
Happy. I always trust in God and know that his plans are perfect. I accept his purpose for my life, even if sometimes it hurts to accept it. But I have to thank God for everything. I also thank those that have always been by my side, around me, telling me to continue believing. I’m really happy.
On what the team needs to do in the final five matches of the regular season to qualify for playoffs…
We need to stay strong. We need to continue believing in what we’re doing. We had a a good streak a month ago, lost three matches, and then returned to winning ways last weekend. I think we looked really good tonight. Unfortunately, they had a penalty, and after that they didn’t have many clear chances.
We had more chances and controlled the game. We should’ve been more incisive, but in the end I think we’re doing well. I believe in the team. I believe in each one of my teammates. I believe in the staff. I’m sure things will go our way.
Summary
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Henry (GK), Sessock, Guillen, Ofeimu, Pope (Antonoglou, 59′), Probo, Ybarra, Locker (Arteaga, 69′), Leal (Rodriguez, 60′), Pinzon (c), Anderson
Hartford Athletic Starting XI:
Carvalho (GK), Real, Scarlett (Diz Pe 46′), Moreira, Ngalina (Obalola, 72′), Hadjipaschalis, Mines (Coffey, 58′), Flynn (Anderson, 58′), Fischer, Taofeek (Anaku, 58′), Pearman
Goals:
HFD – Michee Ngalina (Penalty) – 33’
LV – Manuel Arteaga – 70′
Discipline:
HFD – Yellow, Scarlett – 13’
HFD – Yellow, Fischer – 21’
HFD – Yellow, Taofeek – 27’
LV – Yellow, Locker – 67’
HFD – Yellow, Hadjipaschalis – 68’
Next Up
The Lights travel to Sacramento, California to face Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday, September 30. They then return to Cashman Field to square off against San Antonio FC on Saturday, October 3 for Kick Cancer Night. Get tickets now at lightsfc.com/tickets.
