The Las Vegas Lights defeated New Mexico United 2-1 on Wednesday night at Rio Grande
Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M. Valentin Noël and Daniel Bruce traded
first-half goals before a second-half tally by Christian Pinzón secured all three points for the
visitors.
The Lights had the game’s first opportunity inside three minutes when a Gennaro Nigro overlap
in New Mexico’s box led to a cross for Pinzón, but his near-post effort just missed wide.
Las Vegas took the lead in the 12th minute when Grayson Doody played a line-breaking pass to
send Noël in behind, and the Frenchman finished the breakaway between the legs of
goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.
Shawn Smart had a great chance himself in the 17th minute when he unleashed a shot from the
right side of the box, but it was deflected wide.
New Mexico equalized in first-half stoppage time after a beautiful buildup led to Greg Hurst
setting up Bruce for a tap-in.
Smart almost reclaimed the lead in the sixth minute of stoppage time when his effort just
missed the target.
New Mexico threatened in the 48th minute when Kalen Ryden rose for a header that Raiko
Arozarena dove to his right to grab.
Smart almost found a goal in the 58th minute when he marauded down the right flank and cut
inside before firing a left-footed shot that just went over the bar.
Bruce nearly bagged a brace in the 63rd minute when he redirected a header that just missed
the near post.
The Lights scored the match-winner in the 66th minute when Noël drove the left flank and
played a ball across the front of goal. Smart cleverly dummied the pass and left it for a wide-
open Pinzón at the back post, and he calmly slotted it home.
Sergio Rivas had a gilt-edge opportunity in the 69th minute when a ball bounced his way in the
box, but his shot missed wide.
Rivas had another fantastic chance from close range two minutes later, but it was hit right at
Arozarena.
Las Vegas almost added a third in the 76th minute when shots from Khori Bennett and Smart
were deflected and then cleared off the line, respectively.
The Lights ended New Mexico’s undefeated record at home this season, as New Mexico
suffered its first defeat at Isotopes Park in 11 matches in all competitions (9-1-1).
The Lights finish the evening in fifth place in the Western Conference with 31 points from 22
matches.
Las Vegas has the weekend off before returning to Cashman Field on Aug. 10 for a clash with
Detroit City FC (7:30 p.m. PT | TICKETS).
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Noël plays playmaker again
Noël added another goal and assist to his impressive season numbers. The Frenchman now has
eight goals on the year, which is tied for eighth in the USL Championship, to go along with five
assists, which is tied for third in the league.
Unbeaten run hits double digits
Las Vegas has run its undefeated streak to 10 matches, the longest active streak in the USL
Championship and just one off the league’s longest mark this year. The Lights haven’t tasted
defeat since a loss at the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 25.
Road trip concludes
The Lights finish their four-match, monthlong road trip with an incredible 10 points from 12 on
offer, with especially impressive wins at Sacramento Republic and New Mexico United.
SCORING SUMMARY
LV – Valentin Noël 12’ (Assist: Grayson Doody)
NM – Daniel Bruce 45’+5’ (Assist: Greg Hurst)
LV – Christian Pinzón 66’ (Assist: Valentin Noël)
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
LV – Christian Pinzón 4’ (caution)
NM – Technical Area 45’+3’ (caution)
LV – Gennaro Nigro 79’ (caution)
NM – Nanan Houssou 85’ (caution)
LV – Ousman Jabang 90’ (caution)
LINEUPS AND STATS
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena; Grayson Doody (Emrah Klimenta 74’), Joe Hafferty,
Maliek Howell, Gennaro Nigro; Shawn Smart (Coleman Gannon 81’), J.C. Ngando (Khori Bennett
75’), Ousman Jabang, Solomon Asante (Dre Fortune 59’); Christian Pinzón, Valentin Noël (Joe
Gyau 75’)
Substitutes not used: Nicholas Ammeter, Charlie Adams
Total shots: 10
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 15
Corner kicks: 2
Offside: 4
Saves: 2
New Mexico United – Alex Tambakis; Arturo Astorga (Zico Bailey, 77’) Anthony Herbert, Kalen
Ryden, Abdi Mohamed; Nanan Houssou, Jacobo Reyes (Dayonn Harris 77’), Sergio Rivas (Talen
Maples 87’); Daniel Bruce, Avionne Flanagan (Mukwelle Akale 63’), Greg Hurst (Marco
Micaletto 64’)
Substitutes not used: Kris Shakes, Will Seymore
Total shots: 9
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 12
Corner kicks: 5
Offside: 2
Saves: 2
