LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sebastián Herrera scored a stoppage-time equalizer as Sacramento Republic FC rallied late to earn a 2-2 draw against Lexington SC on Friday night after Marcus Epps had recorded a goal and assist for the hosts to stake them to a two-goal lead at Lexington SC Stadium.

Lexington took the lead in just the fourth minute when Epps created space on the left to curl a far-post cross that was met by a powerful header from Cory Burke to notch the Jamaican forward’s sixth goal of the season.

Dominik Wanner went close to an answer for the visitors in the 58th minute only to have his shot blocked wide, but midway through the second half the hosts doubled their lead as Epps gained possession from Blaine Ferri in the left side of the penalty area, cut onto his right foot and curled a finish into the top-right corner of the net.

LSC almost added to its lead in the final 20 minutes when Braudilio Rodrigues hit the crossbar with a shot from the top of the penalty area. Republic FC began its fightback with five minutes to go, however, as Rodrigo López’s cross was headed home by Cristian Parano, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time another cross from the right by Jack Gurr was flicked into the bottom-left corner by Herrera.

Sacramento then appeared to have grabbed a winner two minutes later only for Khori Bennett to be ruled offside as he followed up Freddy Kleeman’s header that was denied by Lexington’s Logan Ketterer. That left the points shared between the sides as the hosts saw their winless streak stretch to four games.

Takeaways

Lexington SC: The hosts let their first win in almost a month slip away late, and now must wait to see what happens over the remainder of the USL Championship weekend with the chance they could need help to earn a postseason berth on the final day of the season.

Sacramento Republic FC: The visitors rallied impressively after missing earlier opportunities to edge closer to a top-two finish while avoiding consecutive league defeats for the first time this season.

Key moment

Sebastián Herrera’s stoppage-time goal earned Republic FC a point as he scored his first goal in league play since July 13 against El Paso Locomotive FC.

Key stat

Sacramento recorded 38 touches in the penalty area, and recorded 14 of their 15 shots inside the box, compared to Lexington’s 19 touches and seven shots inside the Republic FC penalty area.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Marcus Epps, Lexington SC – The veteran winger’s goal and assist put the side on the verge of victory and he also completed 21 of 27 passes before being withdrawn in the 73rd minute.

Scoring Summary
LEX – Cory Burke (Marcus Epps) 4’
LEX – Marcus Epps (Blaine Ferri) 64’
SAC – Cristian Parano (Rodrigo López) 85’
SAC – Sebastián Herrera (Jack Gurr) 90+4’