LAS VEGAS – An early goal by local standout Danny Musovski proved enough for Las Vegas Lights FC as goalkeeper Alex Rando recorded his first professional shutout in 1-0 victory against Tacoma Defiance on Saturday night at Cashman Field.

Looking to rebound from back-to-back defeats, Las Vegas got out to an ideal start in the fifth minute as they pressured the Defiance back line before Roberto Molina blocked an attempt to clear straight to Musovski, who quickly controlled and finished for the opening goal of the night.

The early spark gave way to a more patient game to follow, which allowed Tacoma to start asserting itself in the attacking end. The visitors almost grabbed an equalizer on the half-hour mark as a good free kick from the left by Ray Serrano found Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez unmarked near the right post, but the winger sent his header wide of the upright.

Issa Rayyan then threatened for the Defiance six minutes before halftime as a low cross was half-cleared toward him and he quickly fired back on goal, only for Las Vegas defender CC Uche to make a good block before Ocampo-Chavez shot a rebound chance wide. Alex Villanueva also went close for Tacoma eight minutes into the second half but pulled his shot wide of the left post from 20 yards after a surging run from midfield.

Tacoma almost pulled level again in the 67th minute as Serrano broke forward on a quickly-taken goal kick that put him in behind the Las Vegas defense, but the attacking midfielder was unable to direct his finish past goalkeeper Alex Rando as he came off his line to challenge at the top of the penalty area, allowing the defense to recover and clear.

Musovski then had a chance to double Lights FC’s lead with 19 minutes to go as he was picked out by a cross from the left by Mohamed Traore but couldn’t direct his header on target. Michael Yeboah also went close for the hosts in the 87th minute but sent his shot from the top of the penalty area just over the crossbar.

The Defiance had a big late chance to find an equalizer two minutes later as a cross by Serrano from the left was headed back at the far post to set up Azriel Gonzalez for a volleyed finish that was saved by Rando. After a final effort for the visitors by Carlos Anguiano flashed wide of the left post, however, Las Vegas secured all three points and a welcome return to the win column.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Mohamed Traore, Las Vegas Lights FC – Traore put in a stout defensive performance at full back, winning 9 of 13 duels and recording 10 recoveries while also recording two shots and two key passes going forward.

Scoring Summary
LV – Danny Musovski (Roberto Molina) 5’

Full Box Score