Sacramento Republic FC Match Recap: Las Vegas Lights FC 1, Republic FC 1

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 14, 2018) — Las Vegas Lights FC started the match off with a goal in the second minute off of a corner kick from Carlos Alvarez. The corner was played to the near post where Lights FC defender Miguel Garduno made the run and flicked a header across goal to the far post. Lights FC captain Joel Huiqui was in the right place at the right time as he put the ball in the back of the net for the opening goal.

Republic FC’s best chance of the first half came in the 33rd minute. Keven Aleman slid a through ball into the box and in stride for Christian Eissele. Lights FC keeper Ricardo Ferriño charged off his line to rush Eissele as the forward tried to blast a shot through Ferriño but the keeper was able stop the attack. The match would go into halftime with Lights FC leading 1-0.

Sacramento found the equalizer in the 57th minute through a set piece. Villyan Bijev sent an in-swinging, right-footed corner kick toward the near post. Eissele made the run and was able to flick the ball far post to beat Ferriño. The goal was Eissele’s second of the year and Bijev’s first assist.

The visitors thought they had the winner in the last minutes of the match after Moffat slotted a shot past Ferriño. The whistle was blown before the strike, however, as a foul was called in Republic FC’s favor just outside the box. Moffat slammed the ensuing free kick into the wall from close distance and the match would end shortly after in a 1-1 draw.

Republic FC come return home for a midweek contest against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday, April 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park and tickets are available via TicketMaster.com.