LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club announced another new addition to its 2024 USL League One roster pending league and federation approval on Friday.
25-year-old forward Azaad Liadi is set to join the club after most recently playing for Huntsville City FC in the MLS Next Pro.
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, the center forward started his career with Vardar Soccer Club in Michigan before beginning his collegiate career at Saginaw Valley State University.
During his collegiate career Liadi also played for National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) turned USL League Two outfit AFC Ann Arbor in Michigan and the Cincinnati Dutch Lions, also of the USL League Two. He scored five goals in 28 appearances for both squads.
During his career with SVSU he scored 11 goals in 56 appearances before transferring to Georgia Southern – competing at the Division-I level – for his senior year. Liadi scored three goals in 16 appearances with the Eagles.
With his collegiate career wrapped up, Liadi joined FC Tucson in 2020 at the USL League One level, joining Lexington SC goalkeeper Amal Knight, who was also signed with the Arizona-based club at the time.
He scored three goals in 15 appearances in Tucson before moving to Tormenta FC, also in the USL League One.
In Statesboro, Georgia, Liadi scored nine goals in 27 appearances before moving to Loudoun United at the USL Championship level.
He made 24 appearances for Loudoun before being called up to MLS outfit DC United – which was, at the time, the parent club of Loudoun United – on an emergency loan.
Liadi left Loudoun in early 2023 to join Huntsville City FC in the MLS Next Pro. Huntsville City is the feeder club of MLS outfit Nashville SC. In his 2023 campaign, Liadi scored 12 goals in 22 appearances across the season.
Looking to continue his professional career, Liadi made the move to Lexington SC where he will look to bring silverware to the horse capital of the world.
“When I spoke to Darren (Powell), Sam (Stockley) and the rest of the staff, it was clear our ambitions aligned,” Liadi said. “I can’t wait to get down to Lexington, meet all the guys and the fans. Exciting times are coming for Lexington Sporting Club and I’m excited and grateful to be a part of it!”
“Azaad will add to our dynamic front attacking unit. He is a direct forward that forces opponents back. He is able to play both as a CF on his own or in a front 2 in addition to be able to play on either wing.” said head coach Darren Powell “His pace is a threat and he is able to score different types of goals. Out of possession he is able to press opposition defenders so they are not able to play productive passes. We are looking forward to developing Azaad as one of the top attacking threats for LSC and the USL 1, we are pleased he is joining us this season.”
Fans can follow Azaad Liadi on Instagram.
Lexington SC is set to kick off its 2024 campaign at home against NC Hailstorm FC on March 9.