LAS VEGAS — Lexington Sporting Club’s three-match win streak came to an end Saturday night in frustrating fashion at the hands of Las Vegas Lights FC. A first-half own goal was all that separated the two sides, and despite losing 1-0, Lexington’s defense never allowed a shot on target.
Disaster struck early for Lexington as a routine backwards pass from defender to goalkeeper in the 17′ minute went awry. The ball skipped awkwardly off the keeper’s boot and into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage before either side officially recorded a shot.
Lexington shrugged off a sluggish first 45 minutes and began immediately threatening in the second half.
It unleashed a flurry of scoring chances around the 60′ minute with Nick Firmino and substitute Braudílio Rodrigues earning golden scoring chances, but the goal remained elusive.
With only seconds remaining on the clock, another Lexington substitute, Forster Ajago, came inches away from netting the equalizer. His header forced a fingertip save from the Lights’ goalkeeper which then ricocheted off the crossbar to safety.
“I would say that it wasn’t our best night in terms of how we played and sticking to our identity, but we still created enough chances to win and those are the ones that hurt,” said Head Coach Terry Boss after the match.
Losing despite not surrendering a shot on target is more than a soccer anomaly — it is seemingly impossible and highlights just how cruel the sport can be on any given night.
Lexington falls to sixth place in the Western Conference standings with the result and will look to reestablish another win streak Friday night.
GOALS
17′ LV — Brooks Thompson (OG)
LINEUPS
LEX: Thompson, Sargeant, Burks, Gibert, Adedokun, Ferri, Williams, Hafferty, Firmino, Epps, Burke (Subs used: Rodrigues, Ajago)
LV: Arozarena, Jones, Gärtig, Herbert, Singer, Pearson, McNamara, Gaines, Leal, Gannon, Rodriguez (Subs used: Pickering, Humphrey, Smart, Stojanovic, O’Driscoll)
UP NEXT
Lexington SC is back in USL Championship action on Friday, Sept. 5 to host North Carolina FC. The match, presented by Celsius, will feature $1.50 beers for fans and kick off at 6 p.m. EST. Tickets are available here.
The women’s Gainbridge Super League Home Opener is Sunday at Lexington SC Stadium, presented by Gainbridge, rounding out 48 hours jam-packed with soccer action. LSC kicks off vs. Brooklyn FC at 2 p.m. EST on Sept. 7. Fans will receive a commemorative ticket and a “Powered by HER” wristband. Tickets are available here.