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One Knox SC adds defenders Jan-Erik Leinhos, Kyle McDowell

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 12/23/22, 5:40PM EST

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Former college standouts join expansion side for first season in League One


Defender Jan-Erik Leinhos is one of two new arrivals at One Knoxville SC for the 2023 season, having made four appearances for Louisville City FC in the USL Championship this past campaign. | Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – One Knoxville SC announced on Friday the club had signed defenders Jan-Erik Leinhos and Kyle McDowell for the 2023 USL League One season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

Leinhos joins Knoxville after most recently competing for Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. The 25-year-old made four appearances for the 2022 Championship Eastern Conference title winner, recording 231 minutes in his first season in the professional ranks while notching five interceptions and four clearances.

A native of Germany, Leinhos had previously competed for Marshall University, and won the NCAA Division I College Cup with the Thundering Herd in 2000. He made 74 appearances for Marshall in his career, and recorded nine goals and nine assists for the side.

“I had the pleasure of seeing him evolve at Louisville City this past season and I believe his pedigree is of the highest caliber for USL League One,” said One Knox Head Coach Mark McKeever. “Jan was unfortunate at LouCity not to push on and having him hungry and humble with a desire to smash the 2023 season is outstanding for One Knox SC as a club. Jan will be climbing back up the ladder very soon and I’m excited to see him excel this season.”

McDowell most recently competed for Virginia Tech, where he made 47 appearances over three seasons for the Hokies and recorded two goals and 14 assists. A former Scotland and Northern Ireland youth international, the 23-year-old appeared in current Scottish Premiership club Ross County’s Academy prior to crossing the Atlantic Ocean to compete collegiately.

“Kyle is a lad that I’ve been watching for a number of years and chasing for USL League Two,” said McKeever. “What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in his receiving skills, ball retention, creativity and immense delivery. I think Kyle is going to do big things in his career and we are excited to watch his excellence going up and down the field for the 2023 season.”


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