Las Vegas Lights FC fell 1-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the USL Championship Western Conference Final on Saturday at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colo. Juan Tejada scored the match’s lone goal in the 38th minute.
Colorado Springs sent a warning shot in the seventh minute when Ronaldo Damus hit the near post on a first-timed effort after a cutback from Jairo Henriquez.
Zach Zandi thought he found the opener in the 11th minute when he got in behind and beat Raiko Arozarena, but hit goal was disallowed after an offside decision.
Lights winger Christian Pinzón had four shots in the first 33 minutes, with the final one nearly sneaking inside the near post but just skipping wide.
The Switchbacks drew first blood in the 38th minute when Tejada scored on the end of an Aidan Rocha free kick. Rocha whipped in a cross from the right side that Henriquez flicked on to Tejada, who one-timed a shot into the roof of the net.
Khori Bennett nearly answered in the 43rd minute when Grayson Doody sent a cross in that Bennett headed toward goal, but a quick reaction save from Christian Herrera kept it out.
Colorado Springs hit the woodwork again just 20 seconds into the second half after Henriquez intercepted a wayward pass and pinged a shot off the far post.
Vaughn Covil dove for a header in the 71st minute and hit it straight into the chest of Herrera, who didn’t know much about it but was there to deny the attempt.
Herrera made another incredible save in the 89th minute to deny a Pinzón header inside six yards.
The Lights were unable to find an equalizer, as the Switchbacks advance to the USL Championship Final, where they will host Rhode Island FC next weekend.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Magical season comes to an end
Fresh off a 19-point season in 2023, Las Vegas Lights FC had a tremendous turnaround, racking up its most points (50) and wins (13) in a campaign to qualify for its first postseason appearance in franchise history.
Finally breached
After two consecutive clean sheets to start the postseason, Las Vegas finally conceded after 248 minutes.
Kept off the score sheet
For the second time in three playoff matches, the Lights were held scoreless. Las Vegas only failed to score four times in 34 regular season games, which was the second-best mark in the league (Louisville City).
SCORING SUMMARY
COS – Juan Tejada 38’ (Assist: Jairo Henriquez)
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
LV – Maliek Howell 45’ (caution)
LV – Gennaro Nigro 54’ (caution)
COS – Jairo Henriquez 84’ (caution)
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena; Grayson Doody, Joe Hafferty, Maliek Howell (Charlie Adams 72’), Gennaro Nigro (Elias Gärtig 72’); J.C. Ngando (Joe Gyau 85’), Ousman Jabang; Solomon Asante (Vaughn Covil 64’), Valentin Noël, Christian Pinzón; Khori Bennett
Substitutes not used: Nicholas Ammeter, Dre Fortune, Ali Gue
Total shots: 13
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 4
Offside: 1
Saves: 1
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Christian Herrera; Matt Mahoney, Matt Real, Aidan Rocha, Delentz Pierre; Zach Zandi, Cole Mrowka (Yosuke Hanya 62’), Devon Williams; Juan Tejada (Quenzi Huerman 70’), Jairo Henriquez (Steven Echeverria 84’); Ronaldo Damus (Justin Dhillon 70’)
Substitutes not used: Koa Santos, Joe Rice, Alex Andersson
Total shots: 7
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 17
Corner kicks: 0
Offside: 5
Saves: 4
