A 3-0 deficit at the half proved to be too much as the Lights’ comeback falls short at Cashman Field.
The Lights could not find the right answer for FC Tulsa’s first half goal outburst on Saturday night at Cashman Field.
After a challenging first half in which the Lights found themselves down 3-0 at the break, the team started to rally in the second half when Gennaro Nigro earned a penalty and Valentin Noel converted the subsequent penalty kick to cut the deficit to 3-1. The goal gave the team a spark, but Tulsa quickly responded and re-established control with their fourth goal of the match.
Despite several substitutions to inject fresh energy into the squad, the Lights struggled to regain the momentum they had created after Noel’s goal.
Ultimately, the match ended in a tough 4-1 home loss.
What They’re Saying
FORWARD JOE GYAU
On his overall thoughts on the match…
Just point blank not good enough. That was a decent turnout with the fans today, and we wanted to give them more. It did not go how we planned at all. But, it’s not the end of the world.
On whether he felt the comeback was possible in the second half…
I would just say that their fourth goal killed our momentum a little bit. Up until that goal, we were pressing and getting chances. It felt like we would get another one back, but that took the air out of the balloon a little bit and slowed us down.
Coming back from a 3-0 deficit is always tough. They came to play today. They’re a pretty good team, so it was difficult.
On how to bounce back against Orange County…
Short memory. It’s a long season, and we’re still early in the game. We get into the next training week and go back to the drawing board from ground zero. We already played Orange County once before, so we’ll be able to prepare properly.
So yeah, just moving forward. I think Coach will come up with a good game plan, so we’ll be ready for next week, no problem.
HEAD COACH ANTONIO NOCERINO
On his overall thoughts on the match…
It’s my fault. This is my responsibility because I didn’t trust my mentality and my intensity. The attitude and the attention – it’s everything. We lost every duel in the first half… this is my responsibility and that’s it.
On if the 120 minute Open Cup 3 days prior affected this match…
Tulsa played 120 minutes too. Physically it’s different and the anger is different. Of course physically – the body, the players, the tools, the respect to us is completely different because the power is completely different. There is no excuses, I repeat, this is my fault and the responsibility is mine.
Summary
Lights Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Nigro (Brewer, 75′), Howell, Gartig, Jones (Gyau, 46′), O’Driscoll (Rodriguez, 46′), Boudadi (Smart, 75′), Noel (c), Pearson, Pinzon, Azcona
FC Tulsa Starting XI:
Penaranda (GK), Damm, Diallo, Calheira, Rogers, Batista, Dalou (ElMedkhar 65′), Lukic (Webber, 75′), Colli (Serrato, 64′), St. Clair (Laszo, 86′), Cissoko (Pierre, 64′)
Goals:
FC Tulsa – Lukic – 14′
FC Tulsa – Calheira – 28′
FC Tulsa – Dalou – 42′
LVFC – Noel – 51’
FC Tulsa – Calheira – 42′
Discipline:
FC Tulsa – Yellow, Rogers – 48’
LVFC –Yellow, Noel – 90+2’
Next Up
The Lights’ next match will be away for the first game of the Jagermeister Cup where they will face Orange County SC on April 26 at 7:00 p.m. This will be the second time the Lights will go up against Orange County SC – the first match resulted in a 1-0 win.
The Lights will then return home on Wednesday, April 30 to play against AV Alta FC for the second game of the Jagermeister Cup at 7:30 p.m.