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Gameday Report: Las Vegas, Romero earn point in Sacramento

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 05/01/22, 12:14AM EDT

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Lights FC goalkeeper records season-high nine saves in 1-1 draw at Heart Health Park

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC and Las Vegas Lights FC played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Heart Health Park as Lights FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero recorded nine saves to keep the hosts from maintaining their perfect record at home this season.

Looking for their first win all-time in Sacramento, Lights FC had an early chance when Morten Bjørshol had a flicked header saved by Sacramento’s Danny Vitiello, while a minute later Republic FC was also denied as Zeiko Lewis’ first-time shot was turned wide by Las Vegas’ Tomas Romero. The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute, however, as Danny Trejo cut into the penalty area from the right side and had his low shot parried by Vitiello, only for Roberto Molina to clean up the rebound.

Republic FC leveled eight minutes before halftime as off a corner kick from the left by Rodrigo Lopez, Romero’s punch went directly to Sacramento defender Dan Casey, who turned home an instinctive finish from eight yards. Casey threatened again in the 42nd minute only for Romero to make a save on his header, while Lopez was also denied on a free kick from 20 yards to the bottom-right corner that was also saved.

Romero continued to keep the visitors on level terms as the second half began, first tipping a volleyed effort by Sacramento’s Luther Archimede over the crossbar before also denying a curling shot by Damia Viader to the top-right corner from the top-left edge of the penalty area. Lights FC’s Alvaro Quezada also went close for the visitors just before the hour-mark as his shot from 20 yards was tipped over by Vitiello, while Sacramento’s Rafael Jauregui almost delivered a brilliant strike with seven minutes to go as his shot flashed over after a clever piece of skill to control at the top of the penalty area.

Sacramento continued to push for a winner late on, and almost found one in stoppage time as off a corner kick from the right Emil Cuello rose highest but was unable to direct his header on target as it flashed over the crossbar. That proved the final chance for the hosts, though, as Las Vegas held firm to earn a draw.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Tomas Romero, Las Vegas Lights FC – Romero set a Championship season-high with nine saves to keep out the hosts as they went in pursuit of a victory, including five saves on shots from inside the penalty area.

Scoring Summary
LV
– Roberto Molina 17’
SAC – Dan Casey 37’

Full Box Score

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