New Head Coach Darren Powell and Men's Sporting Director Sam Stockley are building something special in Lexington - and that's not even taking into account the new soccer-specific stadium slated for completion later this year. Despite a rather disappointing debut campaign on the pitch a season ago, Lexington may have the most momentum heading into the 2024 League One season thanks to the retention of its top goal contributors and the addition of a collection of new signings capable of bringing the club to new heights.

LSC got off to a rocky start in 2023. The expansion club lost its first three matches across all competitions, all against notable opposition: first against fellow expansion side and Barrel Brawl rival Knoxville, second against eventual champions North Carolina and third against in-state power Louisville in the U.S. Open Cup. After claiming its first-ever point in a scoreless draw against Madison on April 8, Lexington downed defending champions South Georgia to claim its first-ever victory on April 15. From there, though, Lexington's debut season wasn't the prettiest. It was a season defined by dazzling individual performances but lacked complete production from the team as a whole.

On paper, Lexington will sport what appears to be one of the most compelling rosters across the league. Lexington will retain over 70% of its goalscoring production and its two most prolific offensive contributors from a season ago: Ates Diouf and Tate Robertson. Diouf and Robertson's combined 28 goal contributions from a season ago are tied for the most among returning teammates across the league (Castro, MacKinnon - GVL). LSC will also welcome back veteran defender Kaelon Fox, winger Nico Brown, Jamaica international goalkeeper Amal Knight, forward Khalid Balogun and young defenders Erick Ceja-Gonzalez and Kimball Jackson.

Impactful departures will include Owen Green, Charlie Machell, Terique Mohammed, Don Smart and Cesar Murillo Jr., but Lexington will reload with some high-profile new names. Most notably, the second-year club has signed Malta international Yannick Yankam and rival Louisville City FC's all-time leading scorer Cameron Lancaster. Lexington have also done well to bring in a collection of both seasoned veterans and young, rising talents. Cuba internationals Jorge Corrales and Modesto Méndez, 2022 League One champion Christian Lue Young and former USL Championship defender Ebenezer Ackon will be tasked with guiding a young group of newcomers consisting of former English Premier League academy youngster Jayden Owen, former MLS and USYNT forward David Loera, rising midfield talent Abel Caputo, Wolverhampton academy product Michael Agboola and Louisville loanee Isaac Cano, among others.

PLAYERS TO WATCH