GEORGETOWN, Ky. – Lexington SC and One Knoxville SC each left Toyota Stadium with a point Saturday, finishing in a 1-1 draw in the second meeting between the two first-year clubs.
It was the second leg of the “Barrel Brawl” rivalry, established prior to the start of the season. Lexington SC (2-5-2, 8 points) trails One Knoxville SC (4-3-3, 15 points) 3-2 on aggregate through the two matches.
“I think the boys put in a tremendous effort,” said head coach Sam Stockley. “I think you have to give credit to One Knoxville SC and their game plan. I felt like we had possession and control of the game, and once we got the goal, I thought we looked strong and dominated the ball. But credit to them, you know, it’s a difficult side to play and a really good team.”
Lexington controlled possession throughout much of the first half and got on the board first with a Nico Brown goal in the 43rd minute.
Tate Robertson crossed the ball in from the left wing to the far post, where Brown was waiting to head home the match’s opening score. It was his second of the season and Robertson’s team-leading third assist.
Amal Knight provided a diving save to preserve the lead early in the second half, but in the 67th minute Jake Keegan beat Knight to bring One Knox level.
Don Smart entered the match as a substitute in the 71st minute, marking his 100th appearance in USL League One. He’s the seventh player in league history to reach the 100-match milestone.
Both sides generated scoring chances in the final stages, but the score remained 1-1 at the final whistle.
“We fought for you know, 88 and a half minutes,” said Cesar Murillo Jr. “We turned off a couple seconds and we got punished, but we’re going to come back next week and come back stronger.”
Lexington SC is home next Saturday, June 3, hosting Northern Colorado Hailstorm SC inside Toyota Stadium at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the match here.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer third division men’s professional soccer), and in USL Super League (women’s professional soccer launching in 2024). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.