Las Vegas Lights FC hosted the first sporting event in the state of Nevada with fans in the stands since the Covid-19 pandemic hit back in March. In a hard fought battle, the Lights ended their 2020 USL Championship season with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Orange County SC.
The visiting side from California took an early 2-0 lead with goals scored by Chandler Hoffman in the 17th and 21st minutes. Las Vegas cut their advantage in the 24th minute via a Raul Mendiola strike inside the box.
OCSC ended up going into the halftime break up by 2 scores after Hoffman completed his hat trick in the 27th minute of the first half.
Lights FC kicked off the second half with a strong offensive showing, getting within one score when Jose Carrera served Raul Mendiola a perfect ball, with the former LA Galaxy player shooting it into the back of the net for the second time of the match in the 66th minute.
Las Vegas kept putting pressure on Orange County SC, who played a man down for the final 14 minutes of the match after Seth Casiple received two yellow cards in only 9 minutes after being subbed in.
The Lights outshot Orange County 24 to 8, including a 15 to 2 edge in the second half. But Las Vegas didn’t capitalize on their chances, and OCSC had one final opportunity when in added time referee Alejandro Mariscal called a penalty kick and sent off Jordan Murrell. Aodhan Quinn scored the PK and gave Orange County SC the 4-2 win on the road.
SCORING SUMMARY
0-1: 17’ (OC) Chandler Hoffman
0-2: 21’ (OC) Chandler Hoffman
1-2: 24’ (LV) Raul Mendiola
1-3: 27’ (OC) Chandler Hoffman
2-3: 66’ (LV) Raul Mendiola
2-4: 90+2’ (OC) Aodhan Quinn
