Miami FC Falls to Las Vegas Lights

October 9, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Miami FC News Release

Las Vegas, NV – The Miami Football Club fell to Las Vegas Lights 3-2 at Cashman Field on Saturday night.

Miami FC arrived in Las Vegas with hopes of possibly hosting a postseason match. However, the defeat complicates the Orange and Blue’s chances of reaching fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Starting XI vs. Las Vegas Lights

Head coach Anthony Pulis sent out the exact same lineup that started against Memphis 901 last weekend. Moreover, forward Richard Ballard made the bench instead of winger Lamar Walker, who did not travel with the team.

Miami FC kicked off on the right foot, creating five chances in the opening 15 minutes of the match.

The two closest attempts on goal happened simultaneously, with striker Kyle Murphy striking the upright and attacking midfielder Florian Valot forcing a save out of goalkeeper Abraham Romero.

Goalkeeper Jake McGuire made a Save of the Week-worthy stop in the 22nd minute. Defender Julian Gaines drove the ball into the six-yard box and unleashed a powerful first-post shot, but McGuire put his hands up and deflected the ball away from his goal.

The home side scored the first goal of the outing in the 31st minute. McGuire parried a cross sent into the six-yard box by forward Danny Trejo, but the ball struck center-back Luca Antonelli and ended up in the goal.

The second half saw Lights FC gain more control of possession. Nonetheless, Antonelli and Murphy both had headed attempts on goal. Despite MFC’s attempts to equalize, Lights FC scored a goal in the 66th minute to double their lead.

Miami FC got a goal back minutes after. Substitutes Adonijah Reid and Joaquín Rivas combined for a goal. Reid squared a pass across the goal and Rivas tucked it in past Romero.

Las Vegas striker Cal Jennings restored the home side’s two-goal lead in the 78th minute. The goal ended up being the game-winner after Valot scored a header in the 84th minute.

Up Next for Miami FC

The Orange and Blue will close out the 2022 USL Championship regular season in Detroit, facing Detroit City FC on Saturday, Oct. 15. The two sides clashed at FIU Stadium earlier in the season, with the game ending in a one-all draw.

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