COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Lexington Sporting Club’s USL Championship team traveled to Colorado Springs for the first time in club history, facing the defending USL champions at Weidner Field. After earning a 2-1 victory in their earlier meeting this season, Lexington aimed to complete the sweep.
Lexington SC opened with confidence, holding over 75% of the possession in the first 10 minutes of the match. Despite controlling play, neither side registered a shot in the early stages as much of the action stayed in midfield.
Colorado Springs then broke through in the 30th minute after quick ball movement set up #11 Quenzi Huerman, who finished off an assist from #3 Akeem Ward. The home side continued to frustrate Lexington’s attack with tight defensive play around the box, doubling its lead just before halftime when center back #5 Matt Mahoney scored on a header from a corner in the 41st minute. The goal was assisted by #22 Marco Micaletto.
As the whistle blew for halftime, Lexington faced a 2-0 deficit, with work to do to find a comeback on the road.
“At halftime, we knew we had to stay focused and keep believing in our game plan,” said Lexington captain #6 Joe Hafferty. “Down 2-0 on the road is tough, but we reminded each other to remain composed and to continue fighting.”
LSC came out in the second half with #8 Nick Firmino pressing higher on offense, looking to create more scoring opportunities and apply greater pressure on the Switchbacks’ defense. In the 78th minute, #23 Alfredo Midence scored his first USL Championship goal, pulling Lexington back into the match and sparking hope for a comeback.
However, the momentum was short-lived, as Colorado Springs responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Mahoney struck again, and despite #31 Brooks Thompson’s attempt to make the stop, the effort found the back of the net to restore the home side’s two-goal cushion.
“Getting my first goal was really special, but the result wasn’t what we wanted,” said Midence. “We fought hard and learned a lot from this match, and we are determined to bounce back better next week.”
Lexington returns home for its next match against Phoenix Rising FC on August 9 at 6 p.m. ET at Lexington SC Stadium.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.