FRESNO, CA – Central Valley Fuego FC faced a dramatic encounter in the USL Jagermeister Cup’s second-round showdown against Lexington SC, showcasing resilience and determination in a match filled with twists and turns.
Despite an early setback with a red card in the 5th minute, Central Valley Fuego FC continued the fight against Lexington SC. The opposition capitalized on the numerical advantage, securing an early lead with a goal off a free kick and adding another in the 22nd minute, leading 2-0 at halftime.
Refusing to succumb to adversity, Central Valley Fuego FC rallied in the second half, with Alfredo Midence making a significant impact as a halftime substitute, scoring a crucial goal in the 65th minute. The team’s relentless pressure paid off in stoppage time when Mendiola delivered an equalizer in the 92nd minute, forcing the game into a thrilling penalty shootout.
Despite a spirited effort, Central Valley Fuego FC fell short in the shootout, with Lexington SC emerging victorious with a 4-1 win on penalties.
Attention now turns to the upcoming match against One Knoxville at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium on Friday, May 17th, where Central Valley Fuego FC will seek to capitalize on home advantage and bounce back with a strong performance.
About Central Valley Fuego FC:
Established in 2002, Central Valley Fuego FC is the region’s sole professional soccer club. Competing in USL League One, the club made its professional debut in April 2022. In 2024, all home matches will be hosted at Fresno State Soccer Stadium. Central Valley Fuego FC is dedicated to uniting the community through the love of soccer. For more information, visit www.fuegofc.com