Las Vegas Lights sent out its opening-round lineup from the 2025 season on new management yet with the same expectation: building a competitive franchise for its supporter base. Fresh off last year's shocking trek to the Western Conference Final, the anticipation had been high to see what work Antonio Nocerino's crew would turn in. And from the opener, the Italian manager sat atop his club, which labored to a much-deserved 1-0 win over Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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The result may not have been the most spectacular but was exactly the kind of start a coach might have dreamed about, close, hard-hitting, and the team showing its tactical maturity. And, anyway, to win in front of the Las Vegas crowd always brings an extra reward.
The one that clinched it
The match began tightly, with hardly any clear chances on either side. Both sides were most certainly sizing each other up, not wishing to take unnecessary chances. The first half passed unremarkably, and the 0-0 scoreline set the stage for a cautious and calculated second half.
And then, out of nowhere, a turning point. There were 15 minutes remaining when Tampa Bay goalkeeper Dante Campisi made a bumbling save and went on to boot the ball straight into his own defender. The deflection had it rolling back towards goal, and who was waiting in line, ready to accept the gift? Christian Pinzon. The forward did not allow the gift to get away and simply tapped it into the net.
The score could have been doubled later when Rodriguez was given a great chance to double the lead but was denied by the defense. Tampa Bay came close to equalizing with a stoppage time effort, which struck the crossbar on the final play of the match, but Lights was able to hold out the rest and secure three points.
Luck or merit?
The goal could have been the result of a monumental mistake by the opponent, but Pinzon gets the credit. He may have lost hope on the play, but he believed, put pressure on the defense, and made the error. As Nocerino described after the match, "There's no such thing as an easy win."
The coach was mindful to call attention to his team's play, noting that Tampa Bay Rowdies are not typical opponents.
"It's unreal because playing Tampa Bay is not an easy task. Because they are experienced, they are intelligent players with a lot of time in this league. Competing against, beating, and playing this team is a good thing for us."
The initial game gave strong hints. Las Vegas Lights showed that they still have the spirit of last season and that they can be a tough competitor for any team.
If the attack still needs to open up more, the defense was tight. Lights learned to endure, held firm against the pressure in the final minutes, and picked up three points. In addition, the intensity and determination of the team obviously show the new coach's philosophy.
As Nocerino emphasized: "For me, mentality is everything. Mentality and approach are everything. When you don't have the right approach, the right mindset, the right focus, it's very difficult."
If that is what the tone for the season will be, then the fans have a gritty fighting team ready to fight for top of the table.