LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club continues its roster reveal Tuesday morning, adding Ates Diouf to the United Soccer League (USL) League One squad, pending league and federation approval.
Diouf, a 22-year-old midfielder and winger, joins Lexington from USL Championship side San Antonio FC, starting five matches and appearing in 11 total as the team won the league title for the first time in club history.
Originally from Rufisque, Senegal, Diouf made his way to the States after being recruited to play for SIMA Águilas, then of USL League Two. In 2019, he was signed to Orlando City B as the club entered USL League One, playing in 17 matches while scoring his first professional goal against South Georgia Tormenta.
During the 2020-21 seasons, Diouf was a member of USL Championship’s Austin Bold, scoring five times in 38 total appearances ahead of his move to San Antonio.
“I’m very honored and grateful to be among the first signings of this great club,” Diouf said. “I can’t wait to get started by setting the standards and bringing my years of professional experience to help the club reach new highs.”
Sam Stockley, LSC’s head coach, said, “Ates has fantastic pace and is flexible within multiple positions. He was part of the San Antonio squad that is coming off a championship, so he was in an excellent environment. Ates is a high character person and a player we believe we can develop and progress.
Fans can follow Ates Diouf on Twitter and Instagram.
Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men’s Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.