Johnny Rodriguez netted his third goal of the season in the first half to secure all three points over league-leading Loudoun
Las Vegas Lights FC secured a crucial three points with a 1-0 win over Loudoun United FC, who were top of the league standings heading into the night.
Johnny Rodriguez delivered the game’s opening – and only – goal in just the 25th minute. Christian Pinzon received the ball on the left wing and found left back Gennaro Nigro streaking forward on the underlap with a clever backheel. Nigro picked out Rodriguez with the cross, and the forward looped his header over the Loudoun goalkeeper into the far corner.
From there, the Lights stubbornly hung on to their one-goal advantage.
Head Coach Antonio Nocerino made multiple subs throughout the second half, eventually switching his team into a back five to protect the lead late in the second half.
Despite a few good chances for the visitors, the Las Vegas defense and goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena stood strong to record a league-leading fifth clean sheet of the season and a 1-0 victory.
Lo que dicen
FORWARD JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ
On what this result meant to him…
It was a huge result especially after the long week we had. Going Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday is always tough. This opponent being first place in the east, it’s not easy. They’re a good team, but I think we stepped up to the challenge and we executed our game plan to the best of our abilities and luckily we came out on top.
On how the team can continue this momentum moving forward…
Hopefully we continue, the goal is to win every game. Some games are going to be tougher than others and we have to take care of our bodies and take care of the group. We have to keep going with this momentum.
On the play by play of his goal…
Coach told us that whenever we’re in a dangerous position to whip the ball in the box and see what happens. I knew once Gennaro got the ball, he’s a very good player and he can deliver the ball. I tried to get into the best position I could and I saw the ball coming my way and I just tried to snap at it. Luckily, when I headed it I saw it go a little high and I said, “Please don’t hit the post”, and then I saw it hit the net. It’s a good feeling and I’m happy for the group.
ENTRENADOR ANTONIO NOCERINO
On how 3 wins on the bounce feels for him…
I’m happy for the win. I’m happy for the players because they played good the first half, very good first half… The result is positive and the players’ [organization] without the ball was amazing and everyone was helping; it’s unbelievable. I want to play better with the ball [in the future] because there was a lot of mistakes technically, and I don’t want to suffer [defensively as much].
On his thoughts on Johnny Rodriguez performance tonight…
He’s an unbelievable striker, and I’m happy with his performance. I like the overall performance because he worked very well: he defended the ball, he had control, he attacked, he helped a lot… The goal was a consequence of Johnny’s hard work.
On his thoughts on Johnny Rodriguez performance tonight…
He’s an unbelievable striker, and I’m happy with his performance. I like the overall performance because he worked very well: he defended the ball, he had control, he attacked, he helped a lot… The goal was a consequence of Johnny’s hard work.
Resumen
Las Vegas Lights FC Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Nigro, Howell, Gartig, Boudadi, Pearson, Leal, Noel (c), Gyau, Pinzon, Rodriguez
Loudoun United FC Starting XI:
Faroux (GK), Santos, Tingey, Leerman, McCabe, Awuah, Mines, Valot, Nyeman, Aboukoura, Ryan
Objetivos:
LV – Johnny Rodriguez (assist: Gennaro Nigro) – 25′
Disciplina:
LDN – Yellow, Nyeman – 6’
LV –Yellow, Gartig – 44’
LDN – Yellow, Santos – 60′
LDN – Yellow, McCabe – 62′
LV – Yellow, Rodriguez – 63′
LV – Yellow, Pinzon – 69′
Siguiente
The Las Vegas Lights will play against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Cashman Field will host a Sneakerhead Night theme night which includes a Sneaker Buy/Sell/Trade expo and a T-shirt giveaway.
Head to lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets to buy your tickets for Saturday’s match NOW!