SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 15th, 2025) – The Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati Ladies continue their unbeaten run to open the season after drawing 2-2 with Lexington SC following a tense 90 minutes.
The match would get off to a flying start as in the 2nd minute, Lexington SC forward Natalie Mitchell was played in on goal from a lofted through ball. Mitchell squared herself for the shot, but KHFC goalkeeper Lexi Grundler was more than up to the task, pushing the shot away.
The rapid pace from the start would continue, as just 60 seconds later, a lofted through ball at the other end saw KHFC forward Taylor White played in on goal, but unlike Lexington’s chance, White wouldn’t miss, slotting the ball directly through the legs of LSC goalie Erynn Floyd to put the Lady Hammers in front 1-0 after just three minutes.
After both squads fashioned chances at each end, KHFC was sure that they had doubled their lead through forward Sam Erbach. In the 24th minute, the KHFC forward drove hard down the sideline before cutting in with the ball on her right foot. She ripped a low shot toward the back post where Taylor White was waiting to poke it into the back of the net. However, White was deemed to have been in an offside position, keeping the lead at 1-0.
Lexington would have their best chance since the 2nd minute following the resulting free kick, as some nifty play once again to Natalie Mitchell being played through on goal. But once again, Lexi Grundler made a phenomenal reaction save, outdoing her first one.
KHFC midfielder Lauren Flax had a few chances in the first half, including a close range shot from within the six-yard box in the 37th minute, although it was ultimately pushed wide for a KHFC corner.
It seemed as though the Lady Hammers would take a 1-0 lead into halftime, but just two minutes from the break, a foul just outside the box set up Lexington with a golden opportunity to level things heading into the locker room. Midfielder Brooke Dardano stepped up to the ball and struck it solidly with her left foot, but didn’t quite have enough bend to tuck into the far post as KHFC escaped the chance with their advantage, which would remain until the half.
While the first half may have seen its fair share of action, the second half was when things really began to kick off.
Lexington opened in a high press, which ultimately led to a string of bad passes by KHFC and resulted in a chance which Lexington forward Harper Ward made no mistake with, knotting things up at one a piece just five minutes into the half.
LSC kept to their high press which continued to give KHFC fits, but Grundler worked hard to ensure that KHFC didn’t trail. Fresh legs for the Lady Hammers helped to beat the press as momentum began to swing back their way.
Sam Erbach– who was flying up and down the wings all night– had a shot go just wide of the post while Kylee Simmons put in a beautiful cross which no KHFC player could get a touch to.
Both teams continued to bring on fresh legs, but it was McKenzie Carle entering in the 67th minute for KHFC that had a real impact. A mad dash for the ball ended with Carle finding herself with it at the top of the 18-yard box, and, without skipping a beat, the midfielder played a stunning no-look, backheel pass to the trailing Lauren Flax who absolutely smashed the ball into the far side of the net, handing KHFC a well-deserved 2-1 lead.
The joy of the goal would unfortunately be short lived, as just 10 minutes later, a penalty was awarded to Lexington following a trip just inside the 18-yard box. Following a slight delay, LSC midfielder Brooke Fabri would step up, but would fire her penalty over the top of the crossbar, allowing KHFC fans to breathe a sigh of relief. That relief wouldn’t last long either, as after the ensuing restart, Lexington’s Ava Nielsen would put her shot in the back of the net to once again tie things up, this time at 2-2.
Despite both teams pushing for the winner in the final five minutes plus stoppage time, none was found meaning the spoils were shared.
While this may have ended KHFC’s four-game win streak, it’s certainly nothing for them to hang their head about as they still remain unbeaten on the season with four victories and two draws. On top of that, this marks only the first of three times that they’ll match up against Lexington SC. And if this game was anything to go off of, you aren’t going to want to miss those next two.
Before then, the Lady Hammers will travel down to Louisville in the midweek to take on Racing Louisville FC in a battle at the top of the Valley Division. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and fans are encouraged to make the trip south in order to support our ladies! Those who cannot make the trip can still show their support by tuning in via Sports Engine Play!
