Lexington SC's Women Open Season with 3-3 Draw at Fort Lauderdale United FC
USL Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington SC's Women Open Season with 3-3 Draw at Fort Lauderdale United FC

Published on August 24, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Lexington Sporting Club News Release


Fort Lauderdale, FL - Lexington Sporting Club's Gainbridge Super League women's team kicked off the 2025/26 season with an eventful 3-3 draw against Fort Lauderdale United FC at Beyond Bancard Field. The match also marked the debut of new head coach Masaki Hemmi, who joins Lexington SC after serving as interim head coach for the Chicago Stars in the NWSL.

Fort Lauderdale jumped out to an early lead in the first half when Darya Rajaee (#12) opened the scoring in the 17th minute directly from a free kick.The halftime whistle sounded with Fort Lauderdale holding on to their 1-0 lead. The second half saw the hosts double their lead through Kiara Locklear (#20) in the 57th minute of the match.

Lexington SC's comeback began with a moment of quality in the 58th minute. From a free kick near the halfway line, defender Allison Pantuso (#3) lofted a pass into the penalty area. Midfielder Addie McCain (#18) rose above the defense and powered a header into the back of the net, cutting the deficit in half.

The visitors found their equalizer in the 69th minute when substitute McKenzie Weinert (#11) calmly finished a chance created by Emina Ekić (#10). Just minutes from time, Lexington appeared to have completed the turnaround. In the 87th minute, Ekić delivered a dangerous corner kick to the back post, where Pantuso pounced to give Lexington a 3-2 lead.

Even after Lexington's rally, Fort Lauderdale had one last response. In stoppage time, the hosts won a penalty, which Jasmine Hamid converted to seal a 3-3 draw.

While not claiming all three points, Lexington showed grit and determination in clawing back from a two-goal deficit, a promising sign of the team's resilience and growth under Coach Hemmi.

Lexington SC now turns its attention to its home opener on Sunday, September 7, against Brooklyn FC. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. ET at Lexington SC Stadium.

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Lexington SC // August 23, 2025 // Beyond Bancard Field

Gainbridge Super League Season Opener

Head Coach Masaki Hemmi

On the team's performance and second-half comeback:

"We thought we had control of the game in the first half, but we hurt ourselves early. Coming out strong in the second half was key, and the players really locked in. The starting players on the field just need to give it their all, and tonight they did." On looking ahead to their first home match in Lexington:

"We're excited to get into Lexington! It's a long season, but we want to play in front of our friends and fans. We should've come out with three points tonight, so we're really looking forward to getting home and securing those." McKenzie Weinert

On her goal in the season opener:

"All credit goes to my teammates -- it was a great pass, and I'm just thankful I could help the team by scoring. I was really excited to get my first goal in the season opener." On takeaways and looking ahead to home games:

"There are a lot of great moments from our first game that we can build on. We're really looking forward to playing at home and having the support of our community behind us." Allison Pantuso

On her goal and the assist from Emina:

"It was a beautiful ball in from Emina -- she put it on a platter! I was excited to be there to put it away." On looking ahead to the home opener:

"I can't wait for the home opener and the opportunity to play in the LSC stadium, in front of our fans for the first time! I'm very proud to be playing for this club. Our mentality is to continue to build and get our first win!"

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 24, 2025


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