Joe Hafferty joined Lexington Sporting Club on January 13, 2025.
Hafferty began his journey in the youth academy of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC, making his professional debut for their USL Championship reserve side, Seattle Sounders 2, on March 26, 2017.
He went on to play four seasons of NCAA Division I soccer at Oregon State University, where he became a standout defender. A three-time All-Pac-12 selection, Hafferty earned First Team honors in both his junior and senior seasons (2019 and 2020).
In the second round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Hafferty was selected by Inter Miami CF. Shortly after, Seattle Sounders FC reacquired his rights and he rejoined the club’s USL Championship affiliate, Tacoma Defiance.
In 2023, Hafferty signed with Austin FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. He played a critical role in their title-winning season, earning a spot on the league’s Best XI after 31 appearances.
The following year, he joined Las Vegas Lights FC in the USL Championship. Hafferty quickly became a central figure in their defense, helping lead the club to the 2024 USL Western Conference Final.
Now in Lexington, Hafferty adds leadership, experience, and tenacity to the backline.
“Joe is a winner and a high-level competitor,” said Head Coach Terry Boss. “He’s a tireless defender and his ability to break lines on the pass or dribble makes him difficult for the opposition’s first line to defend”.
