Las Vegas Lights FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Orange County SC 3-2 in a thrilling match at Championship Soccer Stadium.
The game started with Vegas nearly scoring off a corner in the 9th minute, but Orange County struck twice with goals in the 11th and 19th minutes via forward Ethan Zubak. Despite losing midfielder Dre Fortune to injury in the 29th minute, the Lights narrowed the gap before the first half whistle as forward Khori Bennett converted a penalty in the 39th minute, tallying his 10th goal of the season.
Vegas came out strong at the start of the second stanza with forward Joe Gyau narrowly missing a breakaway chance a minute after the restart. After a number of chances for both sides, Bennett netted the Lights’ equalizer, and his second goal of the night, in the 63rd minute thanks to a perfectly place through ball from midfielder J.C. Ngando that sprung the forward free for a chip around the opposing ‘keeper.
The Lights continued to pressure, and in the 87th minute, Vaughn Covil’s shot from the left edge of the 18-yard box was deflected into the net by Orange County’s goalkeeper Colin Shutler for an own goal to secure the win.
Las Vegas Lights FC will enter into another bye week and begin preparations for its next away trip to FC Tulsa on September 11. aiming to build on this impressive victory. It’ll be a quick turn around as the Lights return to Cashman Field on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30pm PT to host Monterey Bay FC for Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Travel Nevada. Tickets to the next theme night and all remaining home matches start at $20 and are available at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Resilience and Comeback
Vegas demonstrated exceptional resilience, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 win, showing their ability to respond under pressure.
Team Contributions
The victory was a true team effort, with key performances from players like Khori Bennett, who scored twice, Joe Gyau as a constant offensive threat and Vaughn Covil, whose effort led to the decisive own goal.
Establighing the Lights Way
The Lights again dominated possession with over 60%. Slowing down Orange County after they were up 2-0. The Lights were able to create chances with 15 shots leading to their victory.
SCORING SUMMARY
OC – Ethan Zubak (Seth Casipe) 11′
OC – Ethan Zubak (Chris Hegardt) 19′
LV – Khori Bennett 39′
LV – Khori Bennett (JC Ngando) 63′
LV – Colin Shutle (OC Own goal) 87′
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
OC – Kyle Scott 6′ (Yellow card)
OC – Dillon Powers 37′ (Yellow card)
OC – Ben Norris 77′ (Yellow card)
LV – Joe Gyau 90+3’ (Yellow card)
LINEUPS AND STATS | USL Championship Match Center
Orange County SC – Colin Shutler, Owen Lamb, Ryan Flood, Markus Nakkim, Chris Hergardt (Ben Norris 60′), Dillon Powers, Bryce Jamison (Thomas Amang 74′), Seth Casiple (Christian Sorto 60′), Kyle Scott, Cameron Dunbar (Kevin Partida 84′), Ethan Zubak (Ashish Chattha 84′)
Substitutes not used: Duran Ferree, Sergio Chavez, Ashton Miles, Nicolas Ruiz
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 13
Corner kicks: 1
Offside: 4
Saves: 4
Las Vegas Lights FC – Raiko Arozarena; Shawn Smart (Ousman Jabang 61′), Grayson Doody, Jow Hafferty, Maliek Howell, Dre Fortune (Charlie Adams 31′), Christian Pinzón (Vaughn Covil 62′), JC Ngando, Joe Gyau (Soloman Asante 90+3′), Valentin Noël (Emrah Klimenta 90+3′), Khori Bennett
Substitutes not used: Austin Wormell, Coleman Gannon
Total shots: 15
Shots on goal: 6
Fouls: 12
Corner kicks: 7
Offside: 0
Saves: 3
