LEXINGTON, Ky. – Phillip Goodrum recorded a goal and assist to lead Lexington SC to a 2-0 victory against Oakland Roots SC at Lexington SC Stadium on Wednesday night to jump the hosts into fifth place in the USL Championship’s Western Conference standings.
Oakland created the first good chance of the game as a knockdown header by Tucker Lepley set up Peter Wilson for a close-range opportunity that was brilliantly saved by Lexington goalkeeper Oliver Semmle. The hosts also went close late in the half as Nick Firmino found space outside the box and laced a shot that rang the left upright and caromed away to safety, leaving the game scoreless at the break.
Lexington took the lead five minutes into the second half, however, as a turnover in the attacking half allowed Firmino to shoot from outside the box before Phillip Goodrum redirected the ball home. The hosts then doubled the lead off a counterattack following an Oakland corner kick, which resulted in a 3-on-1 breakaway that saw Goodrum set up Blaine Ferri for a lifted finish past the advancing goalkeeper.
Roots threatened to find a way back into the game late, and Semmle produced another excellent save to deny Danny Trejo after a good through-ball by Wilson into the box. From there, though, Lexington closed the game out to take a vital three points in its bid for a first postseason berth.
Takeaways
Lexington SC – The hosts took some time to get into the game, their first shot from open play didn’t come until the 42nd minute, but when the side found its rhythm it produced a pair of good goals that halted the club’s recent downturn in form. Phillip Goodrum’s first league game with a goal and assist was positive to see, but most important was the defensive display, where Oliver Semmle made a pair of big saves, but otherwise Lexington was able to keep Oakland’s attack relatively quiet.
Oakland Roots SC – The big question Oakland might wonder about is what happens if Peter Wilson’s chance in the first half finds the back of the net instead of being brilliantly denied. Overall, though, there were too many instances of hesitation at key moments, most importantly from Tucker Lepley as he was dispossessed to spring Lexington on the counterattack for its second goal, which resulted in Roots being pegged back for its second consecutive league loss.