Midfielder Patrick Leal made the difference off the bench with the opening goal and an assist to Oalex Anderson, but the Lights could not overcome the early deficit.
Las Vegas Lights FC lost on the road against Phoenix Rising FC 3-2 on Saturday night.
The Lights found themselves in an early first-half hole, as they conceded three goals in the opening period.
Ihsan Sacko opened up proceedings with a great individual effort before Gunnar Studenhofft doubled the advantage from a corner kick. Sacko then sealed the first half onslaught with a late penalty kick conversion.
Phoenix looked to be coasting to a critical victory, but midfielder Patrick Leal made the difference for Vegas off the bench.
The American midfielder finished a lovely, tiki taka goal in the 77th minute to spark the comeback. Just minutes later in the 85th minute, he supplied an assist to the red-hot Oalex Anderson to bring the deficit to just one.
However, despite a few late chances, the Lights were unable to complete the comeback and dropped a critical loss on the road amidst a tight playoff race.
What They’re Saying
HEAD COACH DEVIN RENSING
On his overall feelings after the match…
It was disappointing. The guys showed tremendous heart, fight, and character to come back. But, too little, too late. We made a couple mistakes in the first half, and that can’t happen at this stage of the season.
On the defensive lapses in the first half…
I think that we were getting beat on the counter attack a little bit. We needed to adjust to that. We needed to… what I call rest defending, when we have the ball, we have to be aware of their forwards to keep track of those guys. We didn’t do that in the first half.
We made that change at the back [at halftime], and Nate has a little bit more speed. We just made sure we were referencing their forwards.
On what’s ahead with the last home match at Cashman Field…
Listen, there’s no time to dwell on this game. We’re still in it. We’re excited to be back at Cashman, playing in front of our home fans for the last game at Cashman Field.
We have to come out, show a lot of heart and character to take care of business at home.
Summary
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Henry (GK), Sessock, Ofeimu, Guillen, Antonoglou, Probo, Scott, Locker, Pinzon (c), Anderson, Rodriguez
Phoenix Rising FC Starting XI:
Odunze (GK), Schmitt, Boye, Essengue, Flores, Moursou, Scearce, Arase, Gomez, Sacko, Studenhofft
Goals:
PHX – Sacko – 24′
PHX – Studenhofft – 30′
PHX – Sacko (PK) – 45+9′
LV – Leal – 77′
LV – Anderson – 85′
Next Up
The Lights return home to Vegas to face Lexington SC for Farewell to Cashman Night on October 17. Get tickets for the last game ever at Cashman Field at lightsfc.com/tickets.
