KNOXVILLE, Tenn. and LEXINGTON, Ky. – When One Knoxville SC and Lexington SC kick off their respective inaugural professional seasons in a head-to-head matchup on March 18th, there will be more than just wins and losses on the line – there will be a barrel and a bottle up for grabs, too.

The winner of the aggregate total of the three 2022 regular season matchups between the clubs will take with them bragging rights, a full-size whiskey barrel and a bottle of bourbon from a distiller located in the losing club’s locale.

Should the aggregate be tied, the first tiebreaker will be goals scored and the second tiebreaker will be away goals scored.

“There are already decades of history between our cities and states across the sporting landscape,” said Steven Short, Chief Operating Officer of Lexington SC. “As expansion clubs in USL League One, launching in the same season, we are thrilled to add our own traditions to those colorful rivalries while providing fans on both sides of the state line the opportunity to travel to the entire series. We are excited to launch this competition in Knoxville on Saturday and expect this to be one of many additions to our trophy cabinet.”

“Knoxville and Lexington have a long – mostly friendly – history as sporting rivals. To be starting our professional club history against our friends up north is a treat,” said Drew McKenna, Managing Partner at One Knoxville SC. “We’re looking forward to a great inaugural game on Saturday and to hoisting the whiskey barrel after winning the season series later in the summer. Finally, thanks to Company Distilling for their partnership and support. Win or lose, we’ll send Lexington home with a bottle of Company. Like most things, bourbon is better in Tennessee.”

Lexington SC and One Knoxville SC will execute a fan-led naming campaign for the rivalry over the course of the season.

League One's 2023 debutants will face off in the rivalry series on three occasions: Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m. ET in Knoxville, Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. ET in Lexington, and Friday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Knoxville.