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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is thrilled to announce 24-year-old winger Nico Brown to the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Brown, a native of Baltimore, will be joining Lexington Sporting Club in 2023 with an impressive soccer resume dating to his youth days. While at McDonogh School, he was a two-time USYSA National Championship and MVP, and claimed the USYSA National Championship Golden Boot in 2015.

He also spent time with Baltimore Celtic club and was in the D.C. United academy during his senior season, and represented Jamaica at the U17 level due to his Jamaican heritage.

In 2016, Brown began his colligate career at NCAA Division I Loyola University Maryland, totaling nine goals in 62 matches across three years. It was there that Brown would be named All-Patriot League Second Team in 2018 and All-Patriot League Third Team in 2019.

Brown’s professional debut came with the National Independent Soccer Association’s Maryland Bobcats during the 2021 spring season. He soon joined Greenville Triumph of USL League One, where he played in 24 matches through the 2022 season, scoring three goals.

“I’m very grateful the staff and club have faith in me to give me this opportunity,” Brown said. “Being a signee of the inaugural team bringing professional football to the city of Lexington is an honor for me, and I am motivated and cannot wait to grow my career.

“I want to be an integral part of the team’s on-field and community activities. I know there will be highs and lows, but I am ready to get going with the staff and boys on the pitch to bring a championship to Lexington.”

“Nico has electric pace and is a tricky player who loves to beat players with his dribble,” said LSC Head Coach Sam Stockley. “He works very hard and brings high level playing experience from the professional and international side. We think he has massive potential and is a perfect fit for our player profile.”

Fans can follow Nico Brown 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 proud to announce the signing of 23-year-old midfielder Philakahle (Phila) Dlamini to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Dlamini is used to being a staple on winning teams and intends to keep that streak going as he travels to central Kentucky.

Dlamini’s star began to rise when he was called up to play in South Africa’s U20 National Team which won the 2018 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup.

While playing for the University of KwaZulu Natal, he traveled to Naples, Italy, to represent South Africa in the 2019 Summer World University Games. In the most recent representation of his home country, Dlamini played for the University Sport South Africa, Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (USSA, CUCSA) tournament champion University of South Africa National Team.

Dlamini continued his playing record by joining NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) for the 2022 season. During his time in Michigan, he started 11 of 15 matches and contributed four assists, earning first-team All-Midwest Region honors from the United Soccer Coaches and first team all-conference accolades from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). His SVSU squad finished unbeaten (14-0-5) and captured the GLIAC Tournament championship, with Dlamini providing an assist in the finale.

His official transition to the professional soccer world has him enthusiastic about his prospects.

“My individual goal is to work hard, earn playing time, and help the team,” Dlamini said. “I would like to thank the coaches, owners and the whole Lexington community for this golden opportunity. I naturally dream big so I will give you my all.”

“Phila is a fantastic player with great technical ability,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He can play as a 6, 8 or 10, is very comfortable on the ball, has an excellent work rate, and is aggressive on a tackle. Football is everything to him, and we’re excited to have his wonderful character and personality on our team.”

Fans can follow Phila Dlamini 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 adds one of its own to the professional ranks, signing Diallo Irakoze to the United Soccer League (USL) League One squad, pending federation and league approval.

Irakoze is a 21-year-old local who has made a name for himself throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a dynamic midfielder and defender. Born in Kigoma, Tanzania, Irakoze was raised in Lexington and could be seen on local club teams, including the former Lexington FC.

He played high school soccer at Bryan Station where he was named to the KHSAA All-State Team. Irakoze was also a three-time All-District selection, twice selected to the All-City Team, earned 2018 Lexington Co-Player of the year, and picked as the 42nd District Most Valuable Player. In his standout senior year, he scored 18 goals and locked in 14 assists, making him a sought-after college recruit.

In April 2019, Irakoze signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Louisville. After a season with the Cardinals, he joined the United Premier Soccer League’s Metro Louisville FC.

Irakoze returned to the horse capital of the world to compete with Lexington SC’s inaugural USL Academy squad, and is now ready to make his mark at the USL League One level. 

“Lexington Sporting Club will be my first ever contract and it’s really special for it to be here at a place I call home,” he said.

Irakoze added: “With support from the community, we know that we can go far in our inaugural season.” 

“Diallo is a local player who shined in our USL Academy pilot season this past fall,” said LSC Head Coach Sam Stockley. “He can play multiple positions and possesses unbelievable pace, a fantastic attitude and willingness to learn. We’re excited to have him here and develop as a player, as we’ve already seen great qualities with his vision and ability to break lines with a pass or dribble.”

Fans can follow Diallo Irakoze 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 defender Franky Martinez to the United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Coming to Lexington from Chattanooga FC, the New York City native has been an asset to the backfield since he started playing as a child. Before college, he won the 2014 U.S. Soccer Development Academy national championship with the Players Development Academy (New Jersey) U-18s.

Martinez’s collegiate career was split between Iona University (2014) and UMass Lowell (2016-18). As a freshman in 2014 with the Gaels, Martinez was an All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie Team honoree. In three seasons with the River Hawks, he helped the squad to a 33-14-5 overall record and a 14-6-1 mark in the America East Conference.

Martinez was selected by Sporting Kansas City in the third round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft but began his professional career in 2020 with the Los Angeles Force of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

After a single season with the Force, he moved across the country to Matthews, N.C., play for Stumptown AC. With 23 starts and over 1,900 minutes played during the 2021 season, it comes as no surprise that Martinez’s star continued to rise.

After a stint with Chattanooga FC in Tennessee for the 2022 season, Martinez is excited to elevate his playing to a USL League One level during Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season.

“I take great pride in contributing to what is being built here,” he said. “I want to make an impression and make a positive impact on the team. I want to continue to learn, grow and elevate my game.”

Martinez has high hopes for his team too, as he states, “When it comes to team goals, we want to win. The goal is to go out there and put on a display that we can all be proud of for our fans, the community, and each other.” 

“This former MLS draft pick has fantastic qualities on the ball with a wonderful left foot,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “Franky is very competitive and a true winner. He’s calm and composed and can break lines off the pass or dribble. He’s someone we believe can achieve great heights at LSC.”

Fans can follow Franky Martinez 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. – Versatile forward Khalid Balogun joins Lexington Sporting Club for the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One season, pending federation and league approval.

The 6-4 Balogun, originally from Bowie, Md., heads to Lexington SC after spending most of his playing career in Maryland. He most recently played professionally for Maryland Bobcats FC in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), completing his third season with the club in 2022.

Balogun enjoyed a highly decorated career at NCAA Division III St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, Md., earning two United Soccer Coaches All-American honors and four All-Region nods while compiling 37 goals and 19 assists in 66 matches (64 starts). He also earned the Capital Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2019) and Rookie of the Year (2016) awards.

He began his soccer journey at D.C. United’s youth academy and would also play for Montgomery Soccer Club.

When asked about what it means to be a part of the few first signings at Lexington Sporting Club, Balogun said, “To be one of the first signings in this club’s history is truly humbling and special for me and my family. I’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this level.

“With that being said, I feel a sense of responsibility to work even harder in the coming months to ensure that this club will reach the goals that we set and want to achieve.”

“Khalid is a big striker with excellent skill and electric pace,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He can play many different positions across the front line and possesses dynamic technical ability. Khalid is a goal scorer, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team.”

Fans can follow Khalid Balogun 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 Kimball Jackson is the latest signing to the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

A graduate of Lafayette High School, Jackson is an 18-year-old Lexington native who plays outside back and center back. He played club soccer at Shattuck-St Mary’s on the U16/17 team before joining FC Cincinnati’s MLS NEXT U19 squad, where he earned “Best XI” honors for his division.

Jackson spent the 2022 season at NCAA Division I Xavier University.

“It is extremely humbling and exciting to represent my home city’s club,” Jackson said. “It is every young player’s dream to have the opportunity to play for local fans, so to be one of the first ever players signed to Lexington SC is amazing and I am grateful to be a part of the inaugural year.

“Our goal should be to win a USL League One trophy. We will hold each other accountable, buy into the directions and systems of the club, and plan for success.”

“Kimball is a young player who has huge potential,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He can play anywhere across the back line and has been in fantastic environments throughout his youth career. He’s very dynamic and technical on the ball, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to develop him in our system.”

Fans can follow Kimball Jackson on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

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 begins the week with its latest signing, welcoming Pierre Mané to the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Mané is a 24-year-old midfielder out of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Described as a player with mobility, versatility, and high speed of play by collegiate coaches, Mané has played soccer in several settings from his hometown in Dakar, Senegal, to his most recent team based in Richmond, Va. 

After an injury took Mané out of the 2017 season, he began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh. During his first season, he appeared in 10 matches with three starts and helped lead the Panthers to their first-ever ACC tournament match win.

Transferring to VCU, Mané began to hit his stride with the 2019 season resulting in 17 starts, three goals, and an assist. During his final season with VCU, he started all 18 matches, registered 21 shots, and 16 shots on goal.

Mané’s enthusiasm is only growing as he joins the ranks of professional soccer.

“It means a lot to me and my family to be among the first signings for Lexington Sporting Club,” he said. “This is a new team with great ambition, and I want to be part of it. I want to make history with this team.”

He is also excited about the unique opportunities he will have off the field, as he reports one of his goals for the upcoming season is to “connect with the people of Lexington.”

“Pierre is a fantastic young player who is very technical in tight spaces,” said LSC’s head coach, Sam Stockley. “He has an excellent range of passing, with the ability to switch play, drive forward and break lines. Pierre is good at reading pressure and brings a front-foot mentality.”

Fans can follow Pierre Mané 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. – Coming off a championship campaign in 2022, 24-year-old right back Owen Green has signed with Lexington Sporting Club for the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Born in Leicester, England, and raised in Miami, Green heads to Lexington after a stint with South Georgia Tormenta FC, where he helped the club raise the 2022 USL League One trophy. Green made 14 starts in 27 total appearances, finishing among the team leaders in clearances and tackles. He came on as a substitute in both the USL League One semifinals and final. 

Green enjoyed a successful four-year career at Florida International University (FIU), becoming a mainstay in the Panther’s back line while amassing nearly 3,000 minutes and 32 starts in 51 matches.

Following his graduation from FIU, Green competed with Tormenta FC II in USL League Two.

“Being among the first ever signings for Lexington SC means the world to me,” Green said. “I’m very honored to be a part of this new and aspiring club, and hope to create history with everyone involved.”

Green added: “I know the coaches have a high standard for the players being brought in, so aiming for the very top of the league is not out of reach for this group.”

“Owen understands the level of play necessary to win a league championship,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He’s a fantastic right back who is very dynamic and quick. He’s a box-to-box, modern day fullback that is a quality one-v-one defender with great attacking tendencies. Owen is a top lad and we’re excited to have him on our squad.”

Fans can follow Owen Green 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. – Striker Will Baynham has been signed by Lexington Sporting Club for the inaugural United Soccer League (USL) League One roster, pending federation and league approval.

Born in Brisbane, Australia, Baynham heads to Lexington SC after two seasons with Queen’s Park FC in Glasgow, Scotland. He scored five goals and provided two assists during the 2020-21 season, helping “The Spiders” earn promotion to Scottish League One.

Baynham began his youth career with AFC Bournemouth academy in England, but decided to pursue his education in the United States, where he first enrolled at Yavapai College and ultimately transferred to NCAA Division I University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).

During the 2019 season with the Gauchos, the 6-3 Baynham recorded 10 goals and eight assists in 24 matches, leading the squad to the NCAA Tournament “Elite Eight.” He scored goals in three consecutive NCAA Tournament matches, including the golden goal against fifth-ranked Indiana in the third round.

“I am extremely proud to be one of the first ever signings for Lexington SC,” Baynham said. “I’m excited to meet everyone within the club and fans throughout Lexington, and am hopeful we can achieve great things together and make history.”

When asked about the team goals for the upcoming season, Baynham said, “Given how tight USL League One has been recently, there is no reason why any team can’t win the league. Lexington SC is no exception. I understand new teams and environments takes time, but I believe we are here to win.”

“Will is a tall, aggressive striker who can score all types of goals,” said Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach. “He’s a good holdup player and can bring other into the game thanks to his skill and vision. His scoring helped Queens Park FC secure promotion in the Scottish Professional Football League, and we see him as a major asset to our football club.”

Fans can follow Will Baynham 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.