IRVINE, CA (March 7, 2026) The Las Vegas Lights FC opened their 2026 USL Championship campaign on a resilient note, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Orange County SC on Saturday night at Championship Soccer Stadium.
In a match that showcased the Lights’ determination to rebound from a challenging 2025 season, the visitors fell behind early but refused to fold. Orange County SC struck first in the 22nd minute when forward Lyam MacKinnon converted an assist from Owen Hegardt to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw Las Vegas push forward with increased urgency. Despite Orange County’s defensive efforts and a passionate home crowd, the Lights maintained possession and created chances. Their persistence paid off in the dying minutes: in the 86th minute, midfielder Christian Pinzon delivered a precise pass to forward Nighte Pickering, who calmly slotted home the equalizer to secure a valuable road point.
Fans in Las Vegas can catch highlights from the Orange County match on the official USL YouTube channel or the Lights’ social media. With new ownership energy (including MLB legend Jose Bautista’s involvement) and a “Viva Lights” spirit, there’s plenty of neon-lit optimism for what’s ahead.
