Las Vegas Lights FC and Indy Eleven played out a thrilling first half, with the action kicking off early as JC Ngando opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. Ngando’s powerful shot from a Pinzón assist found the back of the net, squeezing just under the crossbar.
Lights goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena made a crucial one-on-one save in the 7th minute to keep Las Vegas ahead, but Indy Eleven equalized in the 26th minute through Sebastian Guenzatti after a quick ball over the top.
The Lights continued to push forward, and Valentin Noël restored their lead in the 43rd minute with a well-placed shot from 25 yards out. Just before halftime, Noël nearly doubled the advantage with a volley that narrowly missed the target. However, Indy Eleven struck back in stoppage time, with Eleven forward Elliot Collier leveling the score three minutes into stoppage time minute. Las Vegas responded a minute later as Grayson Doody’s cross found forward Khori Bennett, who headed home to give the Lights a 3-2 lead going into the break.
The second half saw both teams continue to create chances, with Las Vegas showcasing some excellent passing that led to a close flick on goal in the 58th minute, deflecting just over the bar. Despite the high tempo and opportunities, neither side was able to add to the scoresheet.
Las Vegas Lights FC not only secured the lead but also dominated possession throughout the match, controlling 66.5% of the ball. This dominance in possession was key to their success, enabling them to respond quickly to Indy Eleven’s goals and maintain pressure throughout the match.
In the end, Las Vegas Lights FC managed to hold on to its narrow lead, securing a hard-fought victory in a match that featured end-to-end action and plenty of drama.
Las Vegas Lights FC will hit the road once more next Saturday, traveling to Orange County SC on August 31st with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
FORTIFYING CASHMAN
The Lights kept their home unbeaten streak going with their 8th game unbeaten dating back to May 18th.
WHOLE TEAM EFFORT
It was a true team effort with 3 different goal-scorers and Christian Pinzón & Grayson Doody notching assists. JC Ngando scored his first goal in USL Championship.
DEPTH OF SQUAD
Manager Dennis Sanchez again used the depth of his squad using all five subs to keep the pressure on Indy Eleven. Included in the substitutions was Vaughn Covil making is debut for the Lights.
SCORING SUMMARY
LV – JC Ngando (Christian Pinzón) 2′
IND – Sebastian Guenzatti (Jack Blake) 26′
LV – Valentin Noël (Christian Pinzón) 43′
IND – Elliot Collier (Jack Blake) 45+3’
LV – Khori Bennett (Grayson Doody) 45+4′
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
LV – Raiko Arozarena (Yellow card) 21′
LV – 33’ YC JC Ngando (Yellow card) 33′
LV – Gennaro Nigro (Yellow card) 53′
IND – Ben Mines (Yellow card) 54’
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena; Grayson Doody, Gennaro Nigro, Emrah Klimenta (Ousman Jabang 45′), Maliek Howell, Dre Fortune (Charlie Adams 79′), Joe Gyau (Coleman Gannon 79′), JC Ngando, Christian Pinzón (Soloman Asante 79′), Valentin Noël, Khori Bennett (Vaughn Covil 89′)
Substitutes not used: Austin Wormell, Elias Gärtig, Ali Gue
Total shots: 17
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 6
Offside: 0
Saves: 4
Indy Eleven – Yannik Oettl, Ben Mines, Logan Neidlinger (Karson Henderlong 83′), Josh O’brien (Benjamin Ofeimu 45′), James Musa, Tyler Gibson, Laurence Wootton (Cam Lindley 72′), Jack Blake (Maalique Foster 45′), Elliot Collier (Ethan O’Brien 63′), Romario Williams, Sebastian Guenzatti
Substitutes not used: Hunter Sulte, Maverick McCoy
Total shots: 10
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 4
Offside: 1
Saves: 4
