USL1 Lexington Sporting Club

Penalty Kick Excellence Keeps Lexington Sporting Club Undefeated in USL Jägermeister Cup

Published on May 11, 2024 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Lexington Sporting Club News Release


Lexington Sporting Club's Alexis Cerritos in action
Lexington Sporting Club's Alexis Cerritos in action
(Lexington Sporting Club)

Attached above are postgame quotes from head coach Darren Powell, captain Jorge Corrales and Amal Knight. All quotes are for immediate release and come after the club's recent match against CV Fuego FC in accordance with league guidelines.

Pictured Above: Lexington SC forward Alexis Cerritos (11) takes a penalty kick during the Lexington SC vs. CV Fuego FC soccer match on Saturday, May 11, at Toyota Stadium in Georgetown, Kentucky. Lexington won 2-2 (4-1) on penalty kicks. Photo by Jacob Bramley | Lexington Sporting Club

Penalty kick excellence keeps Lexington Sporting Club undefeated in USL Jägermeister Cup

Lexington Sporting Club defeated CV Fuego FC 2-2 (4-1) on penalties to remain undefeated in the USL Jägermeister Cup on Saturday.

"When that final whistle went we were a little disappointed in ourselves, I think tonight we had over 500 passes and some really great opportunities," head coach Darren Powell said. "When that whistle blew we just pulled the guys in and told them what they were doing (to) get that extra point. Really proud of the players to hit on all four penalties so basically all we've lost is one point but we look at it as one less point than we probably should have."

Entering the competition on the back of a 1-0 victory over Forward Madison FC to kick off the in-season cup competition with three points after Kentucky's own Kaelon Fox found the net despite an 11-9 disadvantage following two red cards.

Taking the field against Fuego, it was a reversal of Lexington's red card fate as CV Fuego FC was shown a quick red card in the fifth minute following a last-man tackle just outside the box.

While not close enough for a penalty kick, Cameron Lancaster took the liberty of sending the ball into the net on the free kick regardless, putting the home side up 1-0.

Determined to remain perfect, Ates "The Truth" Diouf found the back of the net for his first goal of the season in the 22nd minute on a fast-break following a beautiful assist by Abel Caputo.

The Boys in Green took the 2-0 advantage into the halftime break.

Coming back out in the second half, Lexington was unable to capitalize on numerous attacking chances and Fuego got one back in the 65th minute.

Going into stoppage time, fortunes did not favor Lexington as a poor clearance allowed the visiting California squad to equalize the game, with it ending 2-2 in regulation.

"We've been working at this for two weeks, we have to recover our pace and I think with the intensity and energy we bring on the field, it was one of the rewards that we end with (two) points," LSC captain Jorge Corrales said. "Not what we want, I think we always need to win, that's the only way we have this year. We need to win, no matter how difficult the opponent is."

In a league match, it would've meant a sharing of the points, but in the cup competition, the game was to be decided on penalties.

Stepping up to the plate, Abel Caputo sent the first one for Lexington into the net before Fuego missed high, giving the home side the advantage early again.

Up next was Jayden Onen, who easily found the net before a diving save by goalkeeper Amal Knight gave the Boys in Green a 2-0 advantage.

Both teams found the net in the third round with former CV Fuego FC member Alexis Cerritos scoring the goal for Lexington.

With the chance to win the game for his team, the captain Corrales stepped up the spot and nailed it, winning it for the home side 4-1 on PKs.

"I'm just doing my job to be honest, we practice penalties almost every week," Knight said. "So I'm confident when I go into the goal once it's a penalty, so I did my job and we got the extra points so that's all that matters. It's a team effort and I'm just happy we came up with the extra point tonight."

Lexington SC dominated the possession in the contest, holding the ball 63.3% of the time while also winning in expected goals 1.17-0.25.

Next up for the Boys in Green, they'll hit the road on May 25 to head to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for another USL Jagermeister Cup contest. That game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from CHI Memorial Stadium.

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Images from this story

Lexington Sporting Club's Alexis Cerritos in action
Lexington Sporting Club's Alexis Cerritos in action
   



United Soccer League One Stories from May 11, 2024


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