LAS VEGAS, NV – A much-needed win against a top opponent has Las Vegas only two points out of the playoff picture in USL Championship's Western Conference. A 3-1 victory over Fresno FC is a big breath of fresh air.

"We were well prepared and we had a very good plan defensively, but the true test of our character,'' said Luces FC manager Eric Wynalda. "In the last couple of weeks, we've had so many bad things, so much bad luck, late goals, and penalty kicks. There were a lot of reasons to quit, but there is no quit on this side. It's the best performance from everybody that we've had all year. I'm ecstatic!"

The visiting Foxes drew first blood in the 17th minute. A bad clearance by Luces FC's defense allowed Alex Cooper to deliver a stunning left-footed strike that curled past Thomas Olsen.

But Fresno didn't hold on to the lead for long. Only 4 minutes later a heads up play by Irvin Parra gave Las Vegas the tie. A long ball by Panzani Sousa could've gone past the end-line to give the Zorros a goal kick, but goalkeeper C.J. Cochran tried to play it. After saving it from leaving the field of play, Parra raced from more than 18 yards away and stole the ball from him. The ensuing footrace had Parra avoiding a defender, which allowed him to set up Cristian Martinez who then leveled the score with his first goal as a member of Luces FC.

"That's a huge virtue as players, always paying attention because you never know what can happen at any given moment,'' stated midfielder Cristian Martinez. "Fortunately Irvin was able to take advantage of the opponent's mistake and we were able to score. I'm very happy that we got this goal as a team."