Las Vegas Lights FC fell to Hartford Athletic 2-1 at Trinity Health Stadium Saturday night. Goals by Mamadou Dieng and Michee Ngalina in the 25th minute and 53rd minute, respectively, helped overtake Khori Bennett’s goal in the 10th minute.
Almost back-to-back yellow cards were issued to Lights defenders Grayson Doody and Gennaro Nigro in the opening 15 minutes of the night, ultimately setting the tone for a physical match that saw six total yellows awarded across both teams.
The home side attempted the stain the Lights defensive corp out of the gate, but it was Vegas who found the scoreboard first. In the 10th minute, Lights ‘keeper Raiko Arozarena parried a save wide of the goal that was kept inbounds by Nigro. The defender quickly danced around the end line to free himself from an opposing player for a short pass to midfielder J.C. Ngando, who proceeded to rocket the ball up the pitch. Bennett was the lone player on the receiving end of the long ball in the attacking half and slotted it into the back of the net for the lead.
The lead was short lived, as Hartford’s Emmanuel Samadia chipped a ball in from the left flank to the top of the Lights’ six-yard box that rebounded off the head of Dieng for the equalizer in the 25th minute.
Hartford continued to press all night long causing problems for the Lights defense who gave up 11 shots on target while conceding 7 corners.
Hartford’s high press eventually broke the stalemate in the 53rd minute. Arozarena cleared the ball a short distance to Doody, however, the ball was quickly picked away by Hartford’s Ngalina. The striker took one touch through the top of the box and chopped a shot just out of Arozarena’s reach for the lead.
Arozarena stopped 9 of the 11 shots on target with multiple outstanding saves to keep the Lights in the game, including an incredible Save of the Week-worthy block from close quarters in the 73rd minute.
Las Vegas Lights FC will return to Cashman Field next Saturday, August 24, to host Indy Eleven for Canines at Cashman Night, presented by America First Credit Union. Fans are able to bring their best friend (doggo) to the game at no additional cost in special dog-friendly sections, with water stations & special Lights FC dog bandana available in the venue. Tickets to the next home match are available at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets or by clicking here.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Unbeaten run ends at 11
The Lights saw their club-record unbeaten streak end at 11 matches (5-0-6). The unbeaten run also ties the longest running streak in the league this season, with Vegas sharing the honor with Sacramento Republic FC and Charleston Battery.
Bennett scores again
Bennett made an early impact on the game notching his eighth goal of the season. Bennett now moves into a tie with striking partner Valentin Noël for team lead. Both rank in the top 10 for scoring in the USL Championship this season.
Back Home to Cashman
Las Vegas Lights FC head back home for their second home match of August where they will face off with Indy Eleven (10-8-5) on August 24th.
SCORING SUMMARY
LV – Khori Bennett 10’ (Assist: J.C.Ngando)
HFD – Mamadou Dieng 25’ (Assist Emmanuel Samadia)
HFD – Michee Ngalina 52’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
LV – Grayson Doody 9’ (Yellow card)
LV – Gennaro Nigro 13’ (Yellow card)
LV – Ousman Jabang 37’ (Yellow card)
HFD – Younes Boudadi 43’ (Yellow card)
LV – Joe Gyau 63’ (Yellow card)
HFD – Beverly Makangila 90’+1’
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Hartford Athletic – Renan Ribero, Younes Bodadi, Emmanuel Samadia, Joe Farrell, Jordan Scarlett, Beverly Makangila, Muchee Ngalina, Marlon Hairston (Thomas Vancaeyezeele 71’), Anders Asiedu (Deshane Beckford 36’), Marcus Epps, Mamadou Dieng (Kyle Edwards 83’)
Substitutes not used: Justin Dicarlo, Greg Monroe, Triston Hodge, Danny Barrera, Dantouma Toure
Total shots: 18
Shots on goal: 11
Fouls: 13
Corner kicks: 7
Offside: 1
Saves: 4
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena; Grayson Doody (Emrah Klimenta 83’), Gennaro Nigro, Joe Hafferty, Maliek Howell, Ousman Jabang (Dre Fortune 72’), J.C. Ngando, Coleman Gannon (Christian Pinzón 55’), Valentin Noël, Joe Gyau (Charlie Adams 72’), Khori Bennett (Edison Azcona 55’)
Substitutes not used: Austin Wormell, Soloman Asante
Total shots: 16
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 11
Corner kicks: 6
Offside: 0
Saves: 9