Oakland Roots Succumb to Late Rally By Lexington SC

August 23, 2025 Michael Koenig Oakland Roots 0

For 76 minutes, it appeared a quick goal and a gritty defensive effort would be enough for Oakland Roots to earn three points in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

Lexington SC defender Danny Wu tries to prevent Oakland Roots forward Peter Wilson from redirecting the ball into the net to score Oakland’s only goal in their 2-1 loss at Lexington SC on Saturday night. Photo by Tommy Quarles. (Credit: Oakland Roots SC)

But a pair of late goals were enough for Lexington SC to win their third consecutive match and potentially move up to the #4 spot in the playoff race in their first season in the USL Championship.

First Half

The Roots took the lead in the sixth minute when Peter Wilson scored in his fourth consecutive regular season match. Neveal Hackshaw set up the goal with what appeared to be a speculative ball from 30 yards out. Wilson was closely marked by Lexington’s Danny Wu, but was able to redirect the ball with the outside of his foot and beat goalkeeper Brooks Thompson at the near post.

After the goal, Lexington pushed forward to try and gain the equalizer. Wilson’s goal was the only shot Oakland would have in the first 45 minutes, and Lexington also maintained an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Wu had the host side’s first chance in the 16th minute, but his header from close range went wide right, after a cross by Kieran Sargeant.

Second Half

Oakland goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh made his first save of the match in the 58th minute, going to ground to deflect away Michael Adedokun’s blast from beyond the penalty area.

Oakland Roots players Morey Doner and Bobosi Byaruhanga try to take the ball away from a Lexington SC player. Photo by Tommy Quarles (Credit: Oakland Roots SC)

Lexington’s Marcus Epps came close in the 65th minute from just inside the penalty area, but his shot went wide.

(Credit: Oakland Roots SC)

The home side’s constant pressure finally took its toll in the 82nd minute, when Cory Burke scored the equalizer on an emphatic header from extremely close range, as he and Oakland’s Kai Greene both fell onto the turf. The play was set up by Joe Hafferty’s cross near the endline, after a series of five passes put further pressure on Oakland’s defense.

It was no surprise when Hafferty scored the game winner in the 5th minute of stoppage time, after Lexington covered the length of the field in five passes. Sargeant made a run into the box and found Hafferty perched in front of the goal for the tap-in.