The Little Rock Rangers played to a 2-2 draw at home against the Louisiana Krewe, marking the first time this season they’ve failed to earn all three points at War Memorial Stadium. This result meant dropping two crucial points in the playoff race, especially against the only team that has defeated them so far this season.

This match was circled on the calendar—a revenge game with heavy implications for the top of the division table. After falling 1-0 to Krewe earlier in the season on the road, the Rangers knew this rematch had more than just pride on the line. With both teams near the top of the standings, every point matters.

Krewe came into the match with a clear and disciplined game plan: defend in a deep 5-3-2 formation and capitalize on the counterattack. Their strategy worked to perfection early on, as a swift break down the left flank led to a perfectly threaded through ball. Their striker made no mistake, burying it into the back of the net and putting the Rangers behind at home for the first time this season.

But Little Rock didn’t fold. They responded with high energy, pushing wingers Ethan Blake and Jon Koka out wide and getting consistent overlapping support from both fullbacks. That pressure paid off when a Krewe defender handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty. Ethan Blake calmly converted from the spot to bring the game level.

With the momentum now in their favor, the Rangers struck again just six minutes later—Blake once more finding the net for his second of the night. But the celebration was short-lived, as Louisiana quickly responded, capitalizing on a lapse in concentration to make it 2-2 before halftime.

The second half brought more of the same: Rangers controlling possession, trying to break down Krewe’s stubborn defense. But the visitors sat deep and absorbed pressure, showing little intent to push forward. Their goal was clear-leave with a point—and they succeeded.

Man of the Match, Ethan Blake, who scored both goals for Little Rock, acknowledged the difficulty of the match but remained focused on the bigger picture:

“Right now, it’s just about taking every match one at a time. We’ve got to get three points and keep working, hoping the table ends in our favor.”

Blake also reflected on the team’s performance:

“I think we performed well and played our game, but there are still things we need to work on. It’s easy to blame the ref or the opposition, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to look at ourselves and figure out what we can do better next time to get the result.”

The Rangers hit the road Wednesday night as they travel to Texas to face the McKinney Chupacabras at 7:30 p.m. After that, they’ll return home for a match against Mississippi Brilla FC on June 9th.