PAWTUCKET — Koke Vegas saved the season.

Rhode Island FC ’s captain and goalkeeper was in an unfavorable spot on a Las Vegas Lights FC breakaway. A surrendered goal would certainly rain on the postcard day at Centreville Bank Stadium and hinder the club’s playoff chances. Vegas, minutes after injury, reacted only on instincts and threw out his left hand.

It was enough to turn away Tommy McNamara’s shot for a corner. The Las Vegas, and former New England Revolution midfielder, had a clear goal denied and Rhode Island scored eight minutes later.

The 3-1 triumph, in front of 9,879, leaps Rhode Island ahead of Indy Eleven for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. A tie, or a defeat, wouldn’t have mathematically eliminated Rhode Island with three games remaining, but they cont

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