
Lights FC and Loudoun Face off for the First Time
August 13, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Las Vegas Lights FC News Release
Lights FC hosted an Eastern Conference foe for the final time in the 2023 USL Championship season by taking on Loudoun United FC at Cashman Field.
A back pass from Jacob Bushue left defender Marcelo Lage in a compromising situation, losing the ball in Loudoun's final third and the visiting side took advantage of it by opening the score with a shot from outside of the box by Kalil ElMedkhar in the 23rd minute to take that 1-0 lead into the break.
At halftime a special naturalization ceremony was held at Cashman Field, with approximately 250 citizenship candidates from over 50 countries becoming U.S. citizens. U.S. Federal Judge Andrew Gordon administered the Oath of Allegiance.
A golden opportunity presented itself for Las Vegas early in the second half, when Tabort Etaka Preston was fouled inside the box and a penalty kick was called in favor of the Lights'. Unfortunately, Andrew Carleton's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Dane Jacomen.
Loudoun sealed their road victory with a pair of insurance goals towards the end of the match. In the 79th minute Wesley Leggett concluded a great individual play by burying the ball in the back of the net just 2 minutes after he was subbed in. The visitors put a lock on their 3-0 win with a goal from Nanan Houssou in the 83rd minute.
NEXT HOME GAME:
Lights FC will return to Cashman Field on Saturday, August 26th to face Phoenix Rising FC with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
NEXT GAME:
Lights FC will be featured on national TV on Saturday, August 19th when the team visits Detroit City FC as part of the first-ever USL Championship nationally televised doubleheader in league history, as the match will air on ESPN2. The game will start at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Any Questions? Contact us at Communications@LasVegasLightsFC.com.
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![]() Las Vegas Lights FC battles Loudoun United FC |
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