LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington SC today announced the first new addition to its 2024 USL League One roster, pending league and federation approval on Wednesday. 25-year-old defender Modesto Méndez is set to join the club after previously competing for Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship.

Born in Pinar Del Río, Cuba, Méndez played center back for the USL Championship side, seeing the pitch in five matches for 299 minutes — starting all five. Prior to joining Hartford, Méndez made 19 appearances for Inter Miami CF II in MLS NEXT Pro, where he met current Lexington Head Coach Darren Powell.

"Really pleased to have Modesto join us, he was one of the most improved players we had while at Inter Miami CF," Powell said. "He plays with passion and always puts his body on the line and takes a lot of pride in his defending. Looking forward to having him here in Lexington!"

Méndez has previous experience with the Charleston Battery, also of the USL Championship, along with Fort Lauderdale CF during the club's USL League One tenure. Prior to moving to the United States, Méndez played for FC Pinar Del Rio in his home country of Cuba.

Mendéz has represented his national team during qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, debuting in a 1-0 victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The centerback has earned 11 caps with Los Leones del Caribe since his debut in 2021.

"I'm extremely happy to join Lexington SC, I think the whole plan for the club and for the future looks great," Méndez said. "It was a pretty easy decision for me to make, and when I figured out it would be a possibility, I was really excited. I can't wait to start working with my new teammates and with the coaching staff. I'm confident we will build something special."