Lexington and DC Power Share Spoils in Four-Goal Thriller
Key Takeaways
- Lexington SC and DC Power FC battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw
- McKenzie Weinert's 70th-minute strike salvaged a crucial point for the hosts
- Gianna Gourley's brace nearly delivered all three points for DC Power
- Lexington dominated possession but struggled to convert their territorial advantage into victory
McKenzie Weinert's 70th-minute equalizer rescued Lexington SC from the brink of defeat, as the hosts fought back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw with DC Power FC at Lexington Stadium. The substitute's crucial strike capped a pulsating encounter that swung back and forth throughout the evening, leaving both sides with mixed emotions as the final whistle echoed around the Kentucky venue.
DC Power FC struck first through Gianna Gourley in the 21st minute, the forward finding space in the box to give the visitors an early advantage. Lexington responded with determination, and Taylor Aylmer restored parity in the 40th minute with a well-taken finish that sent the home crowd into raptures. The drama intensified just after halftime when Gourley completed her brace in the 46th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put DC Power back in front. The visitors looked set to claim all three points until Weinert's introduction changed the complexion of the match, the substitute making an immediate impact with her equalizing goal just nine minutes after entering the fray.
The tactical battle unfolded as a fascinating contrast of styles, with Lexington controlling possession at 54.5% but struggling to break down a resilient DC Power defense. The hosts peppered the visitors' goal with 16 shots compared to DC Power's eight, yet found themselves trailing for large portions of the contest. Sydney Cummings picked up a yellow card in the 25th minute as DC Power looked to disrupt Lexington's rhythm, while both defenses stood firm under pressure throughout the encounter.
Lexington's dominance in possession told only part of the story, as DC Power proved more clinical with their limited opportunities. The hosts registered nine shots on target to the visitors' five, but DC Power's counter-attacking threat kept the home defense honest throughout. Both goalkeepers were called into action multiple times, with crucial saves preventing what could have been a higher-scoring affair in front of an appreciative crowd.
The turning point arrived in the 61st minute when Lexington introduced Weinert from the bench. The substitution proved inspired, as the fresh legs and attacking impetus shifted momentum decisively in the hosts' favor. DC Power's earlier tactical adjustments, including the 64th-minute introduction of Ellie Gilbert, couldn't prevent the inevitable equalizer as Lexington's pressure finally told.
The final twenty minutes provided edge-of-the-seat entertainment as both teams pushed for a winner. Lexington made further changes with Shea Moyer entering in the 72nd minute, while DC Power responded with a double substitution in the 79th minute, bringing on Paige Almendariz and Dasia Torbert. Late drama continued as both sides made final adjustments, with Justina Gaynor and Margie Detrizio entering in the dying moments, but neither could find the decisive goal that would have separated these evenly-matched sides.
Both teams will reflect on opportunities missed and points gained as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, knowing that performances of this quality bode well for their respective USL Super League campaigns moving forward.