For Khori Bennett and Las Vegas Lights FC, chances were few and far between on Saturday night.

While the visitors controlled almost two-thirds of possession against hosts New Mexico United at Isotopes Park in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix, it was United that had maximized its time on the ball, creating numerous chances to break the deadlock.

But when Bennett’s chance came, he took it.

With four minutes to play, a turnover by New Mexico handed possession to Christian Pinzón near the center circle. Bennett was already on the move, splitting the two center backs centrally as the Mexican attacking midfielder delivered his pass. While United’s Talen Maples recovered to apply pressure, Bennett’s finish for the Lights’ first postseason goal was calm and confident.

“It’s the mark of a striker,” said Lights Head Coach Dennis Sanchez. “We didn’t have a lot of clear chances tonight, but one moment in transition, he recognizes space and then takes his opportunity. I’m so proud of him.”

It proved the difference as the Lights progressed to the Western Conference Final in their first postseason run with a 1-0 victory that was as hard-won as their penalty shootout victory against Sacramento Republic FC in the conference quarterfinals.

“It’s hard to put into words right now,” added Maples. “This is the worst time for a game like this, so it really stings. It’s easier when it happens during the season because you have another game coming up. This will take a while to get over.”

For the Lights, meanwhile, there is the prospect of next weekend’s Western Conference Final and either a trip to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC or a home game against Orange County SC.

While there are elements that need to be sharpened for Sanchez’s squad, especially in the attacking third, the road to the USL Championship Final still lies ahead of them, now just one win away.

“I’m proud of the guys,” said Sanchez. “This was a gritty performance that showed the true character of the team, which is bend, but not break. There were moments where we could have been better tonight, but credit to New Mexico. They’re a good side. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy coming in here, but we found a way to win.”