Valentin Noel scored the decisive goal in the fifth shootout round as Lights FC won the United Soccer League’s first play-off match in its seven-year history, beating Sacramento Republic FC 3-2 in a shootout after a goalless draw during two overtime periods Friday .

The fourth-seeded Lights (14-10-11) advanced to the Western Conference semifinals next week against the winner of Sunday’s game, pitting top-seeded New Mexico United (18-11-5) No. 8 seed Phoenix Rising FC (11). -14-9).

Fifth-seeded Republic (13-12-10) had an 11-6 edge in shots and matched the Lights’ two shots on goal through regulation. The Lights had margins of 7-4 in shots and 2-1 in shots on goal in the two 15-minute overtime periods.

Raiko Arozarena stopped Sacramento’s first three shootout attempts, and Republic goalkeeper Danny Vitiello denied the Lights’ first two attempts before Coleman Gannon broke the deadlock.

The next four shootout attempts were successful, capped off by Noel’s winner.