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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club will face Louisville City FC in the club’s first-ever Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearance, it was announced today, setting the stage for what figures to be a highly anticipated initial meeting between the two Commonwealth clubs.

The U.S. Open Cup is a knockout competition open to all professional leagues sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, including Major League Soccer (MLS), United Soccer League (USL) Championship and League One divisions, National Independent Soccer Association and MLS Next Pro, as well as amateur clubs that qualify through regional competitions.

The two sides meet in the event’s second round the week of April 4-6 at LouCity’s Lynn Family Stadium. The opening rounds take place March 21-23 between qualifying amateur clubs.

U.S. Soccer will announce a specific match day and start time later.

Orlando City SC of MLS won the 2022 trophy, although USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC earned a spot in the finals in an attempt to be the first non-MLS team to claim the title since 1999.

LouCity FC advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 event, and Union Omaha represented USL League One’s best showing with a run to the quarterfinals.

Stay tuned for further details on match specifics and ticketing information.

About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Now in its 108th edition, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s National Championship – has crowned a champion since 1914 in every year except 2020 and 2021. The history-filled tournament is conducted on a single-game-knockout basis and open to all professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. In 1999, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

The 2023 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn $300,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2024 Concacaf Champions League. The runner-up will earn $100,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $25,000 cash prize.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is excited to welcome Terique Mohammed to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Born in Toronto, Mohammed is a 22-year-old left back joining Lexington SC from FC Edmonton in the Canadian Premier League. He appeared in 22 matches for the “Eddies” during 2022.

Mohammed brings USL experience, as well, competing for Toronto FC II from 2018-19. The club participated in USL Championship in 2018 and USL League One in 2019—the league’s inaugural season.

On the international side, Mohammed was selected to the Canadian U17 side for the 2017 CONCACAF U17 Championship, and the following year was named to the U20 team for the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship.

Mohammed was also added to the Canadian U23 provisional roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship.

“To be among the first signings of this club is a huge blessing and an incredible opportunity for us players to showcase ourselves,” Mohammed said. “First impressions are major. Many eyes will be on us as people’s curiosity grows to see how we will adapt to the level of this league.

“Whatever we accomplish in this league will be history and will set a standard for this club. It will be up to us to create a brotherhood with the right energy, mindset and discipline within the team.”

“Terique is a box-to-box, modern day fullback that has excellent energy and pace,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He can break lines and brings a great end product in the final third. He’s played in this league and has been in big environments while in Toronto and Edmonton; adding that experience along with his hugely competitive and winning mentality will be invaluable to our team.”

Fans can follow Terique Mohammed on Instagram.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club inks midfielder Don Smart to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, the 35-year-old Smart brings a wealth of professional experience to Lexington SC’s inaugural season squad, including several seasons spent in the USL ecosystem.

His professional debut came in 2011 with F.C. New York, and he followed with productive stints at Fredericksburg Hotspur of the USL Premier Development League and RVA Football Club of the National Premier Soccer League.

In 2014, Smart was signed to Indy Eleven’s inaugural season roster, and he spent three years in the Circle City making 95 appearances and scoring 10 goals.

Smart helped make more history in 2018 when Forward Madison FC unveiled him as the club’s first ever professional signing. He scored nine goals in 43 matches with the Flamingos before moving to fellow USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC, where he contributed three goals in 49 matches over the last two seasons.

“It’s a pleasure to sign with Lexington SC,” Smart said. “It means a lot to be a part of history. My goal is the win the championship and do whatever I can to achieve that.”

“Don will be a wonderful leader and character to have in our locker room,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He’s been around the game a long time and is a true professional with USL experience. He’s a very clever player on the pitch with an excellent awareness and versatility in midfield.”

Fans can follow Don Smart on Instagram.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is pleased to announce the signing of 21-year-old goalkeeper Austin Causey to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval. 

Causey has spent most of his playing career on the east coast after being born and raised in South Easton, Massachusetts. He began turning heads as a keeper for Richmond United in Virginia, where he played with the U14 and U16 teams. During the 2015-16 season, he posted a 61.6 save percentage.

In 2016, Causey returned to Massachusetts to play for New England Revolution Academy, where he remained for four seasons. 

In April of 2021, at just 19, Causey began his professional career on a contract with the Richmond Kickers.

“It’s an exciting opportunity that I’m honored to be a part of,” Causey said. “Having the chance to represent a new organization and set a precedent for the future is something that means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to getting started.

Causey is eager to elevate his gameplay in Lexington, stating, “I am going to do what’s needed to keep the ball out of the net and help the team earn clean sheets throughout the season. I hope to continue growing as a player and goalkeeper, as well, I feel that Lexington SC offers a great environment to do that.”

“Austin is a young, promising keeper who already has multiple years of experience at the professional level,” said LSC Head Coach Sam Stockley. “He’s very good in one-v-one situations, is quick off his line and reads the game well. He’s proactive with both feet and can break lines with excellent distribution from both hands and feet.”

Fans can follow Austin Causey on Instagram.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is happy to announce 21-year-old Erick Ceja Gonzalez’s signing to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval. 

A center back from Reno, Nev., Ceja Gonzalez has been receiving accolades of all sorts since he began playing youth club soccer for Sierra Nevada FC and Sagebrush SC.

During his high school career at North Valleys, Ceja Gonzalez captured Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association All-Conference First Team honors in three consecutive seasons (2017-2019) and earned All-State First Team distinction his senior season (2019).

Choosing to remain in Reno to begin his collegiate career, Ceja Gonzalez joined the men’s soccer ranks at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). His inaugural college season saw him awarded All-Region XVIII First Team and team MVP honors.

After two seasons with TMCC, Gonzalez entered the United Premier Soccer League (USL) and has since been playing for Reno United FC. 

Ceja Gonzalez is primed to enter the USL and immediately make an impact on Lexington’s growing team.

“I believe that the most important intention for us to set is building something that’s more than just a soccer team,” he said. “We need to build a brotherhood … I believe that will lead us to great things like winning a USL League One title.”

He also adds that he cannot wait to see his personal growth as he plans to “learn something every day from teammates and coaching staff so that I can become the best possible version of myself on and off the field.”

“Erick is a fantastic prospect who shows the highest attributes of being able to play at the professional level,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He’s a true defender who has quality on the ball and is equally comfortable with his left or right foot. We think he has an unbelievable ceiling and are excited to have him on our team.”

Fans can follow Erick Ceja Gonzalez on Instagram and Twitter.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Forward Jalen James signs with Lexington Sporting Club for the 2023 United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

A 22-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, James already has a decorated amateur career that includes multiple US Youth National Team call-ups and successful performances with FC Dallas Academy.

He began playing soccer at a young age and showed immediate promise, attaining multiple US Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program camps and a pair of USYSA State Cup championships. From 2013-15, he was invited to the U13-15 National Team training camps, joining other forwards such as Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah.

On the club side, he was selected to FC Dallas Academy, where he played from 2014-18 alongside current Major League Soccer star, Jesus Ferreira. James turned in stellar performances on the biggest stages with his club, scoring goals at the US Soccer Development Academy Championship and Generation adidas Cup Qualifying, among other notable competitions.

Most recently, James has been a standout student-athlete at NCAA Division I Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. He has garnered all-region honors from United Soccer Coaches and all-conference honors from the Big South. He led the Big South in goals this past season and finished his collegiate career with 20 goals and eight assists in 60 matches.

He was named a top 20 prospect in USL League Two last summer Tormenta FC 2, and has earned Central Team of the Year honors while playing with Mississippi Brilla FC.

“To be one of the first signings in Lexington history means a lot to me,” James said. “I am very blessed and thankful to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to connecting with my teammates and making the club proud.

“I want to be dangerous in front of goal and help my team create attacking opportunities in the final third to help us win games.”

“Jalen is powerful, fast, and can play any position across the front,” said LSC Head Coach Sam Stockley. “He’s great at attacking one-v-one situations and brings a fantastic work ethic and character. He can score all different types of goals but can also see pass and assist opportunities. Jalen has all the attributes to be successful in our game model.”

Fans can follow Jalen James on Instagram and Twitter.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is thrilled to announce the signing of 21-year-old Drew Patterson to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

The multi-faceted Cranford, N.J., native has been making waves in various positions throughout his impressive career, featuring primarily as a center forward while also playing as a winger.

The highlight of his youth was when he joined the ranks of Nomads Academy, a member league of the US Soccer Development Academy in San Diego.

Upon his return to New Jersey for high school, Patterson set himself apart as a two-year letter winner. During his senior year, he was named to All-New Jersey and All-Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference teams after scoring 13 goals and adding seven assists. In the off-season, he competed at the local club level and assisted his program to four successive New Jersey State Cup finals. 

After a single season with Marist College in New York, Patterson moved across the country to join the NCAA Division I California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). While at Cal Poly, the 6-3 forward recorded an impressive 1,386 minutes played with two goals and three assists added to his stat sheet. 

“It means a lot to be a part of the club’s history in this way,” Patterson said. “I’m grateful for the coaching staff’s belief in me and I’m excited to show the amazing city of Lexington what we can do together.”

Patterson is ready to showcase his talent at the USL League One level. His primary objectives are, “to score a lot of important goals and create opportunities for my teammates in every game.”

“Drew has a real eye for the goal and is a very technical player,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He’s a true force in the box on both ends of pitch due to his height. He possesses great pace and can press from the front very well. We’re simply excited to see him develop as a person and player here in Lexington.”

Fans can follow Drew Patterson on Instagram.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – South Korean attacking midfielder Seo-in Kim joins Lexington Sporting Club for the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One season, pending federation and league approval.

Kim, who goes by “Soso,” was born in Seongnam, South Korea, and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, after his family emigrated to the United States.

He showed promise from the start, earning selection to the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, and in 2008 was invited to the U14 US Men’s National Team camp in Boston. His high school soccer career included a 2010 6A Kansas State Championship, and at the time, Top Drawer Soccer ranked Kim #23 nationally.

Kim was naturally picked to compete for the Sporting Kansas City Academy, where he was frequently brought up to train with the Major League Soccer first team. He made three appearances with the MLS reserve team against KC Brass, Real Salt Lake and Chicago Fire.

Kim would begin his collegiate career at Duke University, making 37 appearances and 14 starts before transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara after his sophomore year. He would have 22 appearances, two goals, and an assist, and found the back of the net during the Gauchos’ NCAA Tournament match against Clemson in 2015.

He most recently has played for the Chicago House of the Midwest Premier League, and before that was a member of the Oakland Roots. Other professional stops included stints with SIMA Águilas in USL League Two, Qormi F.C. of the Maltese Premier League, and Czech club, SK Zápy.

“It’s a historic moment, as well as a massive opportunity and privilege to set the tone and culture for the club,” Kim said. “I experienced early stages of Oakland Roots and Chicago House, and it was some of the most rewarding times of my life. I plan to have an even better time here in Lexington.”

When asked about his individual goals for the upcoming season, Kim replied, “Be the best leader and person that I can be, on and off the pitch. Personally, I aim to be one of the highest contributing factors to the teams’ wins and successes; I also want to be amongst the players in the league.”

“Soso is an exceptionally technical and crafty player who is very good receiving the ball in tight spaces,” said LSC Head Coach Sam Stockley. “He’ll create a lot of opportunities for our forward players with his ability to break lines off a pass or dribble, and we expect him to be a wonderful leader and presence in the changing room.”

Fans can follow Seo-in “Soso” Kim on Instagram and Twitter.

All of Lexington’s signings can be tracked here.

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is excited to announce the arrival of new Head Athletic Trainer, Taylor Spyker, who is working with the club through its collaboration with UK HealthCare Sports Medicine.

Spyker will serve as the primary athletic trainer for the United Soccer League (USL) League One squad and will also oversee all Lexington SC medical staff including the youth and academy teams.

“I am excited to be a part of this team from the beginning,” Spyker said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to create an athletic training room that focuses on total athlete wellness and innovation.”

Originally from West Virginia, Spyker has been an athletic trainer for more than ten years, gaining experience at major NCAA Division I institutions such as LSU, West Virginia (WVU), and Kentucky (UK).

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at WVU before going to LSU to complete her master’s degree in Kinesiology. It was during her time at these institutions that she would work as an Undergraduate Curriculum Athletic Training Student and then a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, covering a variety of sports.

Spyker joins Lexington SC from UK, where’s she’s been for eight years as Senior Athletic Trainer. She began her time in Lexington assisting the football team for three years before switching over to soccer, helping the team optimize their performance and improve their nutritional needs.

Spyker has also worked for the ESPN Wide World of Sports as a first responder for athletes of all ages. During her extensive career, she has covered soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, wrestling, field hockey track and more, including being selected as the athletic trainer for the USA Cheerleading team at the Winter Olympics in 2018.

“We are ecstatic to have Taylor as part of the professional team staff for our inaugural season,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “She has great experience within our sport already and has an impressive background in athletic training, so I know that she’ll be a fantastic addition to the team.”

Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.