LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Sporting Club’s penultimate home match of the 2026 regular season awaits Saturday night as No. 5 Lexington hosts No. 1 El Paso Locomotive FC, presented by Celsius.
And for the first time this season, the LSC men could lock down their first-ever playoff spot with a win and some help.
Week 31 Clinching Scenario:
- Lexington SC win vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
AND
- Las Vegas Lights FC draw/loss vs. San Antonio FC
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- Oakland Roots SC draw/loss at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
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- Phoenix Rising FC draw/loss at New Mexico United
Lexington’s current three-match win streak has seen the club rocket up a number of lists. The Greens possessed the third spot in the West until Wednesday night’s USL Championship results bumped LSC down to fifth. Every Western Conference club is now even with 26 matches played.
LSC also climbed to seventh in the league’s power rankings and now has an 88% chance to make the playoffs, according to USL Tactics.
Not only has Lexington won its last three on the bounce, but it has done so in commanding fashion. The Greens have outscored their opponents 13-3 over that stretch with Phillip Goodrum and Marcus Epps accounting for 10 of those goals.
Both players have been featured in the last three Teams of the Week.
Goodrum has increased his USL-C career tally to 72 with his recent surge, tying him for the 12th most in league history. He has now scored double-digit goals in four of his last five seasons and ranks third in LSC history with 11 scores.
Two home matches remain for Lexington, both against top-four clubs in the league before hitting the road to take on two below the playoff line.
In this season’s previous meeting between LSC and El Paso, it was Lexington who cruised to a 4-1 victory on May 30 in West Texas.
Kickoff from Lexington SC Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.
SCOUTING EL PASO
El Paso Locomotive FC snapped an eight-match streak last time out with a 1-1 draw vs. FC Tulsa. Its late summer surge propelled El Paso to first place in the Western Conference with a four-point cushion.
The Texas side ranks second in the West with 45 goals, trailing only Lexington SC. Its 18% conversion rate is tied with Lexington for second-best in the league.
Forward Rubio Rubín, who leads the USL Championship with 16 goals, missed the club’s last match while on international duty with Guatemala. He has four assists to his credit as well, tying him for the club lead.
Goalkeeper Abraham Romero owns a 56.4% save percentage through 16 matches with five clean sheets.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Last time out, forward Marcus Epps became the second player in LSC history to score in four consecutive league matches, joining Ates Diouf (July 13-Aug. 16, 2024).
$1.50 BEER NIGHT
Saturday is the final $1.50 Beer Night of the season where fans can enjoy Coors Light and Miller Lite for just $1.50 each, plus $2 Modelos and craft beer specials from West Sixth Brewing.
HALFTIME RACE FOR $1,000
Four college students will take part in a race at halftime for $1,000, courtesy of Celsius. Students can sign up at the Celsius table in the Fan Zone for a chance to participate.
HOW TO WATCH
The match will stream live on ESPN+.
