Lexington Sporting Club stole a point on the road against Spokane Velocity FC in USL League One play at One Spokane Stadium on Sunday, getting back into the points in league play.
Entering the competition on the back of two tough results at Forward Madison and One Knoxville SC, the Boys in Green were eager to get back on the right track, especially playing in just their second league match since April 14.
In the midst of a lengthy road streak, things got off to a great start as, following a series of strong threatening chances from both sides, Lexington SC drew first blood when reigning USL League One Team of the Season member Ates Diouf delivered a ball perfectly to Nico Brown, who wasted little time shooting the ball into the net for his first goal in league play this season.
“Great feeling always to help the team out in whatever capacity, whether that be scoring or assisting,” Brown said. “It’s a blessing to see your hard work payoff and I’m hungry for many more dangerous plays with this team.”
Both sides continued to fight, but neither was able to get back on the scoresheet in the first half, with the official’s whistle delivering the halfway break.
Coming back out for half No. 2, things quickly went South for the visitors when the home side, spurred on by a strong Spokane crowd, found an equalizer in just the 48th minute of play.
Spokane continued to threaten, with a strong offensive push putting plenty of pressure on Lexington SC goalkeeper Amal Knight, but Knight, along with the back line, stayed strong and prevented any more scoring chances.
“As a goalkeeper, your job is to just try and keep the ball out of the goal at all cost,” Knight said. “For me, I’m just trying to do my job as best as possible for the team.”
The temperature would be turned up late in the match when team captain Jorge Corrales received an accumulation red card for two tactical fouls, forcing the Boys in Green to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite the disadvantage, Lexington SC was able to hang on and steal a point in Spokane, earning its first USL League One point since April 14 – also a draw against Spokane Velocity.
Spokane Velocity controlled the possession in the match, holding onto the ball 65.8% of the time while also winning in expected goals with a 2.95-0.60 advantage.
Next up for the Boys in Green, they’ll hit the road one final time in this lengthy road streak to face Greenville Triumph SC in USL Jagermeister Cup action on Saturday, June 29, before returning home to Toyota Stadium against Union Omaha on July 6.
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.