LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club announced another new addition to its 2024 USL League One roster pending league and federation approval on Monday.
21-year-old defender Anthony Patti is set to join the club after most recently playing for Albion San Diego in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, the center back started his career at Solar SC, a youth development team based out of Allen, Texas — before beginning his collegiate career.
During his collegiate tenure he played two years for the Mercer Bears before transferring back to his home state to join the Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros.
It was during his stint at Mercer that he also played for Texas United, a member of USL League Two.
Patti signed his first professional contract, ending his collegiate career, in 2022, joining Albion San Diego in the NISA. He played in 23 matches and even scored a goal as a defender.
“We’re really looking forward to having Anthony join us. [When our analyst team found him] we really liked his potential the more we watched him play — He is a left sided defender that can play as LCB in a Back 3, or LB in Back 4. He has good ability to drive forward on with the ball and break lines with a strong left foot. We hope to see him use his potential to develop into a top left sided defender in the league over the next few years.” Said Head Coach, Darren Powell.
Albion San Diego finished fourth in the NISA regular season in 2023 before being eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual runners up Michigan Stars.
Patti played all 120 minutes in the club’s first playoff fixture against Maryland Bobcats — the former club of Lexington SC’s Khalid Balogun — and played all 90 minutes in the club’s semi-final defeat.
“When I heard about the chance to play for Lexington, I knew it was going to be a great opportunity,” Patti said, “It was an easy decision and I’m thrilled to be a part of a great community and team.”
Fans can follow Anthony Patti on Instagram.
Lexington SC is set to kick off its 2024 campaign at home against NC Hailstorm FC on March 9.