MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Westchester SC today announced the addition of three players to its inaugural roster, pending league and federation approval. After adding Kemar Lawrence as its inaugural signing, WSC will add 2022 USL League Two Player of the Year Samory Powder, 2024 USL Championship Eastern Conference champion Connor McGlynn, and 2022 USL League One Players' Shield winner Stephen Payne.

"Our goal throughout the signing process is to bring in athletes who have great experience and success on every level, as well as being individuals who are reflective of what we are building year-round in the community, and we think Samory, Stephen and Conor fit that mix perfectly," said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. "They will be key pieces of our club on and off the field as we head towards the season opener."

A native of Edison, N.J., Samory Powder has signed his first professional contract following a successful collegiate and pre-professional career. The forward developed with the New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers youth teams before playing collegiately at the University of Detroit Mercy and University of Portland. 

The versatile 23-year-old was named the 2022 USL League Two Player of the Year and the Defender of the Year after recording 12 goal contributions with Hudson Valley Hammers. Powder, the brother of Trinidad and Tobago international Noah Powder, was called up to the Soca Warriors' squad for a trio of international friendlies between 2022 and 2023.

Fresh off of claiming the 2024 USL Championship Eastern Conference title with expansion side Rhode Island FC, 26-year-old midfielder Conor McGlynn returns to his native New York with WSC. McGlynn played collegiately at Siena College from 2016 to 2019 before signing his first professional contract with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic in 2020. Across four seasons with Hartford and one with Rhode Island FC, McGlynn has totaled 117 appearances and 16 goal contributions across all competitions.

After beginning his career in Portugal, defender Stephen Payne is set for his fourth season in USL League One with his third different team. The former United States youth international and Birmingham, Ala. native developed in the Portuguese youth leagues and later second and third divisions between 2016 and 2021, spending time with GD Estoril Praia, Varzim SC, Portimonense SC, CD Mafra and Vilaverdense FC.

In 2022, Payne returned to the United States and helped the Richmond Kickers win the 2022 USL League One Players' Shield. From 2023 to 2024, Payne spent time with Forward Madison FC, helping the 'Mingos advance to the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup Final. Across all competitions with Richmond and Madison, Payne provided 13 goal contributions through 100 appearances.