Rocky Mountain memories: Lexington SC hits two major milestones in comeback thriller
Lexington Sporting Club traveled from coast to coast in search of the first road victory in team history.
Ten times Kentucky’s USL League One pro soccer squad tested its visitors’ mettle in seven states ranging from as near as Tennessee to as far as California. Lexington tied two of those matches, lost six by one goal and two by two goals.
A breakthrough seemed imminent.
It finally happened Saturday night when midfielder Ates Diouf scored the first hat trick in club history to lead LSC to a 4-3 victory over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in Windsor, Colo. Earlier this season, the teams tied 2-2 in Georgetown.
Lexington Sporting Club improved to 5-10-6 in its inaugural season. With 21 points, LSC stands 10th in the USL League One standings. The Hailstorm (10-4-5) is second in the league with 35 points.
The top six teams in the 12-team league make the playoffs. Lexington stands 11 points outside the final playoff spot with 11 matches remaining.
Diouf, originally from Senegal, scored goals in the fourth, 65th and 95th minutes to secure LSC’s thrilling road win, which included a lengthy lightning delay and a rally from a 3-1 deficit by the visitors. Tate Robertson also scored a goal for Lexington.
Diouf played last season for San Antonio FC, which won the USL Championship league.
Lexington Sporting Club will be back in action Saturday at home at Toyota Stadium in Georgetown against Central Valley Fuego FC. The California-based club beat LSC 2-1 in their only previous meeting on July 15 in Fresno.