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Only two weeks remain in the USL Championship regular season before postseason play commences. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Western Conference is beginning to take shape. 

A three–point cushion opened last weekend between the top four spots in the West and spots five through eight. FC Tulsa, Sacramento Republic FC (Friday night’s opponent) and New Mexico United have all clinched a playoff berth. 

The good news regarding Lexington SC’s recent (and somewhat unlucky) three-match skid is that the other clubs in the mix for the same playoff spot have failed to capitalize. 

San Antonio FC has picked up one point over its last three outings. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has earned three over its last five matches. Orange County SC has not won a match since August 16, collecting only five points in the last 59 days. 

Phoenix Rising FC is the only club that was below Lexington a few weeks ago that has jumped it in the standings.

The Scenario

It goes without saying Lexington SC’s next two matches will define its season. 

The club’s magic number is 7, meaning a combination of LSC earning and Orange County dropping seven points will clinch a playoff spot. 

The mathematically astute will recognize Lexington can only earn a maximum of six points, meaning Orange County (who has a match in hand over LSC), cannot win out. 

Orange County also owns the tiebreaker over LSC — points earned against Western Conference opponents, the third piece of tiebreaking criteria as defined by the USL Championship.

Below is a table defining what each possible result throughout the rest of the season means for both clubs.

LEX Points Earned	LEX Total Points	OC Must Drop (Points)	OC Max Allowed (Points)
0 (2 losses)	35	7	34
1 (loss + draw)	36	6	35
2 (2 draws)	37	5	36
3 (win + loss)	38	4	37
4 (draw + win)	39	3	38
6 (2 wins)	41	1	40

LEX Points Earned	LEX Total Points	OC Must Drop (Points)	OC Max Allowed (Points)
0 (2 losses)	35	7	34
1 (loss + draw)	36	6	35
2 (2 draws)	37	5	36
3 (win + loss)	38	4	37
4 (draw + win)	39	3	38
6 (2 wins)	41	1	40

Lexington SC’s Remaining Schedule 

Here’s what the final two weeks of the USL Championship season have in store for the good guys: 

vs. Sacramento Republic FC — Friday, Oct. 17 
We need Lexington to storm the stables for the final home match of the season. Sacramento sits in second place in the West, tied on points with New Mexico. 

LSC already proved it can hang with Republic FC, drawing them away from home earlier this season. 

at Oakland Roots SC — Saturday, Oct. 25 
The Coliseum awaits for the final match of the LSC regular season. Lexington defeated Oakland at home on August 23, 2-1.  

Orange County SC’s Remaining Schedule 

Orange County’s three remaining matches look like this: 

vs. San Antonio FC — Wednesday, Oct. 15 
San Antonio currently occupies fifth place in the West and has posted a 2W-2L-1D record over its last five matches. The Texas side won the first tie at home in late September, 3-1. 

vs. Louisville City FC — Saturday, Oct. 18 
LouCity just clinched its second consecutive Players’ Shield and has won seven consecutive matches. As much as it pains us to say this, LSC fans might be forced to root for a Louisville result this time out. 

vs. Indy Eleven — Saturday, Oct. 25 
Indy should come out swinging in the season finale. Its situation is nearly identical to OCSC’s — currently sitting in ninth place and trailing the playoff pack by just three points. Expect Indy to put everything on the line, assuming it is still in content by Week 34. 

What Can I Do? 

Easy. 

1. Come out and support the lads Friday night. It’s Lexington SC’s biggest match of the season, plus the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a free LSC beanie! And don’t forget, LSC ONE Members receive free tickets to all remaining men’s and women’s matches in 2025. 

2. Root against Orange County SC with every fiber in your being. It’s nothing personal, OCSC, strictly business. 

Come On You Greens!

LEXINGTON, Ky. —A promising comeback effort from Lexington SC ultimately ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat Saturday night at the hands of El Paso Locomotive FC.

Locomotive FC opened the scoring in the 9′ minute off a set piece, putting Lexington in a hole early.

LSC responded positively, creating multiple scoring chances for Cory Burke, Nick Firmino and others while holding more than 65% of the ball.

Its surge in momentum was abruptly interrupted when Lexington lost the ball in El Paso’s penalty area, allowing The Locos to counter the length of the pitch to double its lead.

However, Lexington was not about to go down quietly.

A brilliant set piece delivery from Blaine Ferri connected with Cory Burke at the near post to get LSC on the board in the 55′ minute. The goal marked the Jamaican forward’s fifth of the season and Ferri’s third assist.

A goal-line scramble ensued ten minutes later following a turnover forced by the substitute Latif Blessing. Burke came inches away from a brace with his shot, but it was cleared at the last possible second.

Lexington’s attacking onslaught continued as seemingly every player had a look at goal over the next 10 minutes.

El Paso looked to take the air out of a rowdy stadium every chance it got, equating to approximately 15 minutes of added stoppage time. LSC continued to threaten throughout added time, eventually outshooting El Paso 13-2 in the period (7-1 on target).

The final whistle snuffed out Lexington’s comeback attempt, and the LSC faithful let the officials and visitors know how they felt about the way things ended.

GOALS

9′ ELP: Guillermo Diaz

31′ ELP: Roberto Avila (assist: Frank Daroma)

55′ LEX: Cory Burke (assist: Blaine Ferri)

LINEUPS

LEX: Brooks Thompson, Jacob Greene, Kendall Burks, Gaël Gibert (45′ Latif Blessing), Joe Hafferty, Blaine Ferri, Speedy Williams (64′ Forster Ajago), Marcus Epps, Braudílio Rodrigues (45′ Alfredo Midence), Nick Firmino, Corey Burke

ELP: Sebastian Mora-Mora, Ricky Ruiz, Tony Alfaro, Kofi Twumasi, Guillermo Diaz (87; Wahab Ackwei), Robert Coronado, Gabi Torres (90+10′ Emiliano Rodriguez), Eric Calvillo, Frank Daroma, Armando Moreno (90+10′ Bryan Romero), Roberto Avila (80′ Christian Sorto)

UP NEXT

The Greens are back at Lexington SC Stadium for their final regular season home match of the season Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Sacramento Republic FC. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington SC opens its final homestand of the season Saturday night vs. El Paso Locomotive FC with a chance to clinch a playoff spot at home the following week. 

LSC’s magic number is down to eight, meaning eight points earned or lost by ninth-place Orange County SC will clinch a postseason berth. With a win on Saturday, an Orange County loss and a win Oct. 17 vs. Sacramento Republic FC, Lexington is in. 

Lexington is looking to shake off back-to-back road defeats in which it received a red card in each. 

However, the club is still 8W-4L-3D over its last 15 matches and is undefeated at home in USL Championship play dating back to May 24, 2025. 

A win over El Paso on Saturday could catapult the Greens into fourth place in the Western Conference standings with two matches remaining in the regular season. 

Kickoff from Lexington SC Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

SCOUTING EL PASO 

El Paso Locomotive FC enters this weekend’s contest with a 9W-8L-10 record and sits in fifth place in the West, two points ahead of Lexington. 

Since the beginning of September, Locomotive FC is 1W-3L-2D and has seen its grip near the top the standings begin to wane. 

Despite its recent run of form, a win over LSC and a Phoenix Rising FC loss would secure a playoff spot for The Locos. 

Wilmer Cabrera leads the side with 10 goals while the dangerous full-back Gabi Torres ranks first on the club with seven assists. 

STAT OF THE MATCH 

Over its last seven matches in league play, in which LSC has posted a 5W-0L-2D record, the club has scored first four times while coming from behind to rescue points three times. 

Lexington also has a +6 goal differential in those seven matches. 

HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION NIGHT

Saturday will be Hispanic Heritage Celebration Night. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative poster, designed by local Cuban artist Humberto Lahera González.

The evening will also feature several Hispanic food trucks, special music and $1.50 beer options for those in attendance.

HOW TO WATCH 

The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Lexington SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC

Saturday, October 11th 2025 – 7:00 PM ET

Hispanic Heritage Night & $1.50 Beer Night

Lexington SC Stadium

USL Championship | Match 28 of 30

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🚗 PARKING 🚗

Parking at Lexington SC Stadium is FREE

Lexington SC Stadium is located at 200 Shives Drive, Lexington KY 40509

Click HERE for navigation to the stadium
For those who plan on tailgating, please park in the tailgating lot. For more information on tailgating, click here.

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LEXINGTON SC STADIUM IS A CASHLESS VENUE. CASH WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT THE BOX OFFICE.

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☀️ WEATHER FORECAST ☀️

High of 75 with a chance of rain.

TULSA, Okla. — Lexington SC will look to quickly put Saturday night’s result behind it after an early red card paved the way to a 3-0 loss at FC Tulsa.

A quiet first half was interrupted when Lexington goalkeeper Logan Ketterer was shown a straight red card in the 37′ minute for a challenge outside the box. Ketterer insisted there was no contact, but head official Brad Jansen had his mind made up.

The red card marked the second in as many matches for Lexington SC.

On the ensuing free kick, FC Tulsa’s Jamie Webber blistered an attempt from 25 yards out to put the hosts up 1-0.

Down a man, Lexington’s second-half comeback attempt was further complicated when Tulsa doubled its lead early in the period, courtesy of Giordano Colli.

A bright moment for Lexington SC fans came in the 76′ minute when forward Malik Henry-Scott was subbed on to make his club debut.

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity to step out on the pitch in a familiar city in front of my college teammates and coach,” said Henry-Scott, who played at the University of Tulsa from 2020-23, after the match. “I just want to keep pushing and help the team any way I can.”

Twelve minutes later, Webber capped the night with a brace for Tulsa, solidifying the final 3-0 result.

GOALS

37′ TUL: Jamie Webber

65′ TUL: Giordano Colli (assist: Alexander Dalou)

88′ TUL: Jamie Webber (assist: Giordano Colli)

LINEUPS

LEX: Logan Ketterer, Kieran Sargeant, Gaël Gibert, Joe Hafferty, Xavier Zengue (59′ Alfredo Midence), Speedy Williams, Blaine Ferri, Marcus Epps (76′ Malik Henry-Scott), Latif Blessing (37′ Brooks Thompson), Nick Firmino, Forster Ajago (58′ Cory Burke)

TUL: Tyler Deric, Lucas Stauffer, Lamar Batista, Abdoulaye Cissoko (68′ Travian Sousa), Harvey St. Clair, Giordano Colli (90+1′ Ian), Boubacar Diallo, Jamie Webber, Kalil ElMedkhar (78′ Owen Damm), Alexander Dalou (78′ Stefan Lukic), Taylor Calheira

UP NEXT

Lexington SC returns home Saturday, October 11 to begin a two-match homestand — Lexington’s last two home matches of the season — vs. El Paso Locomotive FC. It will be a crucial match towards deciding who will finish in the top four spots of the Western Conference and earn a home playoff match.

LSC and El Paso, two clubs separated by only two points in the standings, kick off at 7 p.m. ET. It will be Hispanic Heritage Celebration Night and $1.50 Beer Night at Lexington SC Stadium.

TULSA, Okla. — Entrenched in a battle to secure a Western Conference playoff spot, the first in club history, Lexington SC matches up with the first-place side in the West on Saturday night, FC Tulsa. 

Lexington’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to nine, meaning a combination of the club earning nine points or ninth-place Orange County SC dropping nine points will secure a postseason berth. 

Lexington could clinch as early as next weekend — at The Stables in front of the home crowd. 

Last time out, LSC flew back from Albuquerque empty-handed. The evening consisted of over three hours of lightning delays, an LSC red card and then the club playing its best soccer of the evening after going down to 10 men. 

However, the overall run of form for Head Coach Terry Boss’ side remains tip-top. 

LSC has posted an 8W-3L-3D record over its last 14 matches and has scored at least one goal in 14 of its last 16. 

The group has never let a strong opponent hold it back, indicated by LSC picking up 27 of its 35 points this season against clubs currently in playoff position — a stat it will look to add to Saturday night. 

Marcus Epps, Blaine Ferri and Milo Yosef were all teammates in Tulsa in 2023, and LSC’s Eliot Goldthorp is currently on loan with the Scissortails. 

Lexington and Tulsa matched up for the first time in either club’s history on May 18. Tulsa won the contest, 2-0. Since that match, LSC has gone 8W-4L-4D. 

Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 8 p.m. ET. 

SCOUTING TULSA 

FC Tulsa is on track to have its best season in club history under first-year head coach Luke Spencer. One more point earned will give Tulsa its highest single-season point total. 

Tulsa sits atop the Western Conference with a 13W-5L-8D record but has sputtered a bit of late. After starting 12W-3L-6D, it has posted a 1W-2L-1D record in its last five outings. 

At home, Tulsa is 7W-2L-3D in USL Championship play this season with a +7 goal differential. 

Taylor Calheira leads the side with 12 goals, tied for the fifth-most in the league. Owen Damm and Goldthorp are tied for the club lead with four assists apiece while Johan Peñaranda has maintained a 66% save percentage with six clean sheets. 

Peñaranda did not appear in Tulsa’s last match vs. Indy Eleven. 

STAT OF THE MATCH 

Defender Kieran Sargeant’s five assists are tied for the sixth-most in the Western Conference. He is also ranked in the top 10 in chances created in the West with 32. 

HOW TO WATCH 

The match will be streamed live on ESPN+. 

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. — Following two lightning delays totaling three hours and 17 minutes of downtime for the players and coaches, Lexington SC nearly battled back from down two goals down and a man in New Mexico, but ultimately came up just short, 2-1.

The nightmarish start began with the first 100-minute-long weather delay, followed by a New Mexico goal seven minutes into the match. The home side doubled its lead minutes later from the penalty spot after LSC was whistled for a foul inside the box.

Things went from bad to worse when Lexington’s Daniel Wu was shown a controversial straight red card in the 38′ minute, forcing the club to play with 10 men while already down two goals.

From there, Head Coach Terry Boss’ group regained its composure and began to play its way back into the match. The club did not allow a shot after the 43′ minute and looked more dangerous on offense at the same time.

Lexington SC’s breakthrough came in the 64′ minute when Marcus Epps bent a gorgeous shot through two New Mexico defenders and slotted it past the goalkeeper.

The goal was Epps’ fourth of the season, and Blaine Ferri was credited with his second assist of the year on the play.

As Lexington was gearing up for its final assault on goal with one minute remaining in the match, the referee initiated a second lightning delay lasting over an hour and a half.

LSC came out of the break menacingly in search of the equalizer, but the bizarre evening ultimately ended with a 2-1 scoreline.

GOALS

7′ NM: Marlon Vargas (assist: Jaylin Lindsey)

10′ NM: Talen Maples (PK)

64′ LEX: Marcus Epps (assist: Blaine Ferri)

LINEUPS

LEX: Logan Ketterer, Kieran Sargeant (78′ Xavier Zengue), Daniel Wu, Gaël Gibert, Joe Hafferty, Blaine Ferri, Speedy Williams (62′ Alfredo Midence), Marcus Epps, Braudílio Rodrigues (43′ Jacob Greene), Nick Firmino (62′ Latif Blessing), Forster Ajago

NM: Kristopher Shakes, Christopher Gloster (76′ Valentin Noel), Talen Maples, Will Seymore, Jaylin Lindsey, Dayonn Harris (56′ Tomas Pondeca), Gedion Zelalem, Marlon Vargas (76′ Thomas Amang), Mukwelle Akale, Zico Bailey (56′ Carlos Moguel), Greg Hurst (56′ Luther Archimede)

UP NEXT

The final match of Lexington SC’s three-match road trip will play out Saturday, October 4 vs. first-place FC Tulsa. Kickoff from northeast Oklahoma is set for 8 p.m. ET.

64′ Minute — Marcus Epps

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —  The eyes of the USL Championship will be on Lexington SC Sunday evening as perhaps its most important match of the 2025 regular season awaits at New Mexico United. 

The contest will be crucial in the context of the Western Conference playoff race, not just for the two sides involved, but for the league as a whole. 

After a midweek victory, New Mexico enters play in third place in the West, surpassing Lexington SC on Wednesday night who now sits in fifth. Both clubs are even on matches played, while Lexington trails New Mexico by two points. 

For nearly a month, only four points separated third place from ninth. Over the last week, that gap has widened to eight points, offering separation but not exactly breathing room. 

With a win, LSC could launch back into third, depending on Saturday night’s result between San Antonio FC and Birmingham Legion FC. However, Lexington cannot fall out of playoff position this week. 

The last time the two sides squared off, LSC claimed all three points in a 2-1 comeback victory in the Bluegrass. Sofiane Djeffal and Xavier Zengue scored as Lexington snapped an early-season 11-match USL-C winless streak. 

That win over New Mexico proved to be a turning point in the season as LSC has gone 8W-2L-3D in league play since. 

Narrowing the view of Lexington’s scoring form, the club has posted a 5W-1L-1D record over its last seven matches with four clean sheets. It is fresh off a critical road win at Detroit City last weekend. Forster Ajago has scored in three consecutive matches. 

It has all been coming together for Terry Boss’ side at the perfect time, and its initial win over New Mexico kickstarted it all. 

Kickoff from Isotopes Park is set for 6 p.m. ET. 

SCOUTING NEW MEXICO 

New Mexico United faces off with Lexington SC on short rest having just played Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC four days prior. Overall, it will be the third match in eight days for the Black and Yellow. 

Its previous meeting with Lexington SC also served as a turning point in New Mexico’s schedule, but in the opposite direction. Prior to the match, New Mexico was 7W-3L-1D on the season. Since that loss, it has posted a 4W-6L-3D record in league play. 

However, New Mexico has improved its form as of late, going 3W-1L-1D over its last five outings. In its last five home matches, it is 1W-3L-1D. 

Greg Hurst leads the side with five goals, followed by Luiz Fernando with four. Mukwelle Akale leads the club with six assists and is tied for the eighth-most in the league. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis owns a 67.2% save percentage on the season and six clean sheets. 

STAT OF THE MATCH  

Earlier this week, the USL Championship gave Lexington SC an 89% chance to make the playoffs and projected the club to finish in fourth place in the West. 

More specific to this match, both LSC and New Mexico United are tied atop the USL Championship in passing accuracy this season (85%). 

HOW TO WATCH  

The match will stream nationally on CBS Sports Network. 

We’re back with another edition of “What to Watch For — LSC’s POV,” this time looking at the Western Conference clubs in Week 30 action whose results could directly affect Lexington SC’s position in the standings. 

Lexington enters Week 30 in fourth place in the West after a triumphant, gutsy win over Detroit City FC on the road last weekend. 

In addition, several other results proved favorable for LSC, creating a bit of separation in the standings — even if that separation is only a point or two. Colorado Springs and El Paso lost, New Mexico and Phoenix drew and most importantly, LSC won. 

Lexington SC’s magic number is 16, meaning it’s the combination of points LSC must either earn itself or see ninth-place Orange County SC drop in order to guarantee Terry Boss’ side a playoff spot.

Orange County does have two matches in hand over Lexington, so LSC’s magic number could decrease even when it isn’t playing, should OCSC drop points.

One of the biggest matchups of the year awaits Lexington SC on Sunday night as it takes on New Mexico United. But until then, the Lexington faithful get to sit back and enjoy a full slate of USL Championship matches.

Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on this week in USL-C play. 

Standings

Week 30 Schedule

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (31 points, 8^th in West) vs. New Mexico United (34 points, 5th in West) — Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET 

This midweek clash carries major implications for Lexington. New Mexico, LSC’s opponent just days later Sunday, sits one point and one spot behind LSC in the table. A Switchbacks win, however, would pull Colorado Springs level with New Mexico on points, adding another direct challenger into the mix. 

In our eyes, the best-case scenario for LSC is a draw. That way, New Mexico remains within reach heading into Sunday’s showdown, and Colorado Springs doesn’t climb too close. One club breathing down your neck is stressful enough — no need to invite company. 

Best Outcome: Draw 

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El Paso Locomotive FC (32 points, 6^th in West) vs. Rhode Island FC (30 points, 8^th in East) — Friday, 9 p.m. ET 

Lexington SC leads El Paso by three points in the standings, and as you know by now, we (almost) always root for an Eastern Conference opponent to beat a foe from the West. 

Best Outcome: Rhode Island FC win 

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Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (31 points, 8^th in West) vs. Hartford Athletic (35 points, 5th in East) — Saturday, 8 p.m. ET 

On two days’ rest, Switchbacks FC hosts a red-hot Hartford Athletic side that has gone 9W-2L-1D in its last 12 outings across all competitions. Here’s hoping the Eastern side adds to that win total. 

Best Outcome: Hartford Athletic win 

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San Antonio FC (36 points, 3rd in West) vs. Birmingham Legion FC (22 points, 11th in East) — Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET 

Not only is this our third West vs. East battle of the evening, but Lexington SC only trails San Antonio FC by one point. Legion FC has not won a league match since July 11, but there is no time like the present to stop the bleeding. 

Best Outcome: Birmingham Legion FC win 

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Phoenix Rising FC (32 points, 7th in West) vs. Oakland Roots SC (26 points, 10th in West) — Saturday, 10 p.m. ET 

While Phoenix Rising FC cannot pass Lexington SC in the standings this week as LSC owns the tiebreaker (six points earned in two meetings this season), we’ll include this matchup since a Rising win could put Phoenix level on points with Lexington. 

Oakland is far enough back that a win would not threaten LSC in any way, shape or form at this stage of the season. 

Best Outcome: Oakland Roots SC win