Las Vegas Lights FC beats Orange County SC 1-0 in a crucial Western Conference showdown at Cashman Field.
Nighte Pickering scored a last-minute game-winner to take all three points.
With a 1-1-1 record coming into the match, Las Vegas was looking for a crucial three points in a pivotal Western Conference matchup against Orange County SC.
The game was in “equilibrium”, as Head Coach Antonio Nocerino described it, throughout the entire match. Both teams created chances and both goalkeepers were forced into solid saves, but neither team looked like they were going to be able to break the deadlock.
Nighte Pickering, though, had other ideas in his first appearance of the 2025 season. His chip over Colin Shutler in stoppage time snatched all three points for the Lights in dramatic fashion.
The Turning Point
In the 85th minute, Head Coach Antonio Nocerino made the strategic decision to substitute Johnny Rodrigez for Nighte Pickering. It was a bold substitution, as the Lights’ star striker left the field for Pickering, who had yet to make an appearance from the bench in 2025.
To that point, momentum had been building but the team had not been able to find the breakthrough. Luckily, Nighte Pickering was ready to deliver in his first chance for game action and added the energy the team needed in the dying moments of the match.
Gennaro Nigro spotted Pickering from afar and threaded a phenomenal pass down the channel. The Lights’ number nine burst in behind and created space for his shot. He lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net for the late game-winner… and a cold celebration.
What They’re Saying
FORWARD NIGHTE PICKERING
On the game winning goal in his perspective…
Coach told me when I came in just to run in behind and I would tell they looked a little tired at the back. Seeing Gennaro get the ball and just started sprinting towards the goal and he put a dime on my foot and first-time finish. I wasn’t thinking much besides running behind and to get my foot on it.
On his mentality going into a game like this…
Just being ready the whole time on the bench, observing the game and seeing what you can do when you get in there. That’s all it is really, just being ready whenever your chance comes, whether it’s 5 minutes or whatever, just being ready to make a difference when you come in.
HEAD COACH ANTONIO NOCERINO
On what it takes to win this game with a lot of obstacles…
Discipline. I repeat every day, every week-when you don’t have the ball, you have discipline. The game is never finished.
On seeing more support here at Cashman Field…
I’m happy because these people are going to help a lot. I hope at the next game that there are more people because the players need more support and a better atmosphere… Las Vegas is an amazing place.
Summary
Lights Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Nigro, Howell, Gartig, Smart, O’Driscoll, Leal, Noel (c), Gyau, Pinzon, Rodriguez
Orange County SC Starting XI:
Shutler (GK), Zubak, Sylla, Jamison, Hegardt, Scott, Partida, Benalcazar, Guimaraes, Brewitt (c), Doody
Goals:
LVFC – Nighte Pickering – 90+3’
Discipline:
OCSC – Yellow, Guimaraes – 24’
LVFC –Yellow, Gartig – 54’
LVFC –Yellow, Noel – 68’
LVFC –Yellow, Smart – 84’
OCSC – Yellow, Brewitt – 90+1’
Next Up
The Lights’ next match will be in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, April 12 against Lexington SC at 4:00 p.m PT. The team will return home shortly for the U.S Open Cup matchup against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.