LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington SC today announced the signing of 26-year-old defender Chinenye Chidera "CC" Uche, pending league and federation approval. Following a successful trial period with Lexington, Uche signed a performance-based professional contract.

Born in Queens, New York, Uche grew up in Lawrenceville, Ga. and began his youth career with Georgia United of the U.S. Development Academy. Uche was invited to the U.S. U-17 Men's Youth National Team training camp in November 2015 before playing collegiately at Duke University (2016-17) and Ohio State University (2018-19). 

Uche played two seasons for the Blue Devils as a freshman and sophomore, making 18 appearances before transferring to Ohio State for his junior and senior years, making 22 appearances for the Buckeyes before suffering a season-ending injury in 2019. During college, Uche also suited up for USL League Two sides Chicago FC United (2018) and New York Red Bulls U-23 (2019), appearing in two U.S. Open Cup matches with the latter.

Uche was selected with the 41st overall selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by LAFC but would end up signing his first professional contract with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights FC - LAFC's affiliate at the time.

Uche made 26 USL Championship appearances with the Lights, recording one goal and one assist during the 2021 season. In March 2022, Uche signed for MLS NEXT Pro side MNUFC2 and made 18 appearances for Minnesota United FC's developmental squad between 2022 and 2023. Uche made one appearance for the Loons' senior team in an international friendly victory against German 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Kaiserslautern in June 2023.

"I'm really looking forward to joining Lexington SC, making my mark on the field and contributing to help build on the success already established here at this club," said Uche. 

"We welcome CC to the team. He is an experienced defender who is going to add depth to our back four – he brings pace, recovers the ball well and shows ability to start attacks by moving the ball progressively from the back," Lexington Head Coach Darren Powell said. "We're excited to work with him!"