Gainbridge Super League

LEXINGTON, Ky.— Lexington Sporting Club has signed forward Sarah Griffith to its Gainbridge Super League roster ahead of the league’s upcoming season. 

Griffith, a native of the Chicagoland area, was selected 35th overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2022 NWSL Draft. She made her professional debut that year and has since competed at both the domestic and international levels. 

Before entering the professional ranks, Griffith starred at Purdue University, where she was named Big Ten Forward of the Year and earned All-America honors. Her speed, creativity and ability to produce in the final third make her a key addition to Lexington SC’s attack. 

Griffith’s signing marks another significant step as the club builds its inaugural roster for the Gainbridge Super League, a new Division I women’s professional league set to begin play in August.

About Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.

Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club has announced the transfer of midfielder Emina Ekić from Spokane Zephyr FC to its 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League roster, pending league and federation approval. 

Ekić, a Louisville native, returns to the Bluegrass as one of the most accomplished players in the Gainbridge Super League. Her homecoming marks a major milestone for Lexington SC as the club secures the league’s inaugural Player of the Year. 

Ekić began her journey with Javanon SC and starred at duPont Manual High School, earning Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the 2015/16 season. She went on to play four standout years at the University of Louisville, where she made history as the first player in program history to be named ACC Offensive Player of the Year. 

Her professional career began in 2021 when she was selected fifth overall in the NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC, the first University of Louisville player to be drafted into the league. She made more than 20 appearances with Racing Louisville and earned NWSL Player of the Week honors before going on loan to Melbourne City FC in Australia’s A-League Women. After a successful stint, she signed a two-year deal to stay in Melbourne. 

In July 2024, Ekić signed with Spokane Zephyr FC ahead of the inaugural USL Super League season. She made an immediate impact, scoring the club’s first-ever goal in the 17th minute of its debut match. Her consistent performances and leadership on the field earned her the title of USL Super League Player of the Year, awarded by both the league and Soccer Sheet. 

Internationally, Ekić made her senior debut for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2023 and has earned regular call-ups since. She has competed in both UEFA Nations League and Euro Qualifying campaigns, scoring her first international goal in October 2024 during a Euro qualifying playoff against Serbia. 

Bringing elite experience, hometown pride, and a championship-level pedigree, Ekić adds immediate value to Lexington SC’s 2025/26 roster and strengthens the club’s foundation heading into its second season in the Gainbridge Super League. 

Fall season tickets are on sale now! If you are interested in Lexington SC ticketing opportunities, please call (859) 201-3932 or purchase online here.  

About Lexington Sporting Club 

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.  

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is proud to announce the appointment of Kosuke Kimura as Assistant Coach for the club’s women’s Gainbridge Super League squad. Kimura joins the staff of Head Coach Masaki Hemmi as the team intensifies preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

Kimura arrives in Lexington following his most recent role as Assistant Coach at Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. His addition brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels of the game.

A native of Kobe, Japan, Kimura began his soccer journey with Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale at youth level before moving to the United States to play NCAA Division I soccer at Western Illinois University from 2003 to 2006. During his time at WIU, he completed an intensive English-language program and earned a near-perfect score in the mathematics section of the SAT. He was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft, becoming the first Japanese-born player to appear in Major League Soccer.

Kimura made over 100 appearances over five and a half seasons with the Colorado Rapids, playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2010 MLS Cup-winning campaign. He scored the game-winning goal in the Western Conference Final and went on to play the full 120 minutes in the MLS Cup Final, helping the Rapids secure a 2–1 victory over FC Dallas.

In 2012, he was traded to the Portland Timbers, beginning a stretch that saw him feature for several clubs across the United States, including the New York Red Bulls, Atlanta Silverbacks, and Tulsa Roughnecks. He also had a stint abroad with Widzew Łódź in Poland.

Kimura now brings his knowledge, leadership, and championship pedigree to Lexington SC as the club builds toward its Gainbridge Super League season opener on August 23, away to Fort Lauderdale United FC.

Fall season tickets for Lexington SC’s Gainbridge Super League campaign are on sale now. For ticketing information, call (859) 201-3932 or visit www.lexsporting.com.

About Lexington Sporting Club 

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.

By: Samuel Bryan & Nora Windsor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club kicked off their 2025/26 preseason with a historic matchup against Racing Louisville FC, an NWSL team, at Lynn Family Stadium. The match marked the first ever matchup between the two professional women’s soccer teams based in the state of Kentucky.

Lexington SC faced early pressure as Racing Louisville fired off several quick shots, testing Lexington’s goalkeeper #1 Sarah Cox and her back line. Cox stood strong, keeping the score level.

However, in the 30th minute, #9 Kayla Fischer broke through for Racing Louisville, putting the hosts ahead and leaving Lexington SC chasing an equalizer. 

The match reached halftime with Racing Louisville still holding onto their one goal lead. 

Lexington SC created multiple opportunities early in the second half with attacking combinations from #13 Hannah Richardson and #20 Mariana Larroquette, however none of them found the back of the net.

Shortly after being subbed on, a trialist for Lexington brought LSC level with a strike from outside the box in the 67th minute, raising hopes for a late push as the match progressed.

The hard-fought match ended in a 1-1 draw as the final whistle blew, with several of Lexington SC’s new signings making their mark in their first public preseason appearance for the Gals in Green.

Lexington Sporting Club looks to keep the momentum rolling as they prepare for their 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League opener on Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET, against Fort Lauderdale United FC at Beyond Bancard Field.

About Lexington Sporting Club   

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in USL Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields. 

Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is proud to announce the signing of Justina Gaynor to its Gainbridge Super League roster ahead of the 2025/26 season, pending league and federation approval. Gaynor adds to an already talented group of signings and joins the Greens after most recently playing for NWSL side Chicago Stars FC.

A native of Shelby Township, Michigan, Gaynor was a standout at the youth level, earning an impressive list of accolades: three-time US Youth Soccer National Champion, three-time Regional Champion, and five-time Michigan State Cup Champion. She was also selected to the Olympic Development Program state and regional teams and participated in national training camps.

Following high school, Gaynor played one season of NCAA soccer with Butler University before transferring to Michigan State where she would go on to play another four seasons. While in East Lansing, she became one of the most decorated players in Michigan State women’s soccer history. She earned United Soccer Coaches All-America honors, was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, and was named the 2023 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, a two-time First Team Scholar All-America and Academic All-America honoree, she was also the university’s Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient and a 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

Over four seasons at Michigan State, Gaynor made 83 appearances (73 starts), recording 16 goals and 20 assists. This included five game-winning goals in 2024 alone. She helped lead the Spartans to back-to-back Big Ten Championships and multiple NCAA Tournament wins, including the program’s first-ever NCAA Second Round victory. She was also named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, recognizing her among the nation’s elite collegiate players.

Gaynor signed her first professional contract on March 12, 2025, with Chicago Stars FC after earning an invitation to preseason as a non-roster invitee. She made her professional debut just two days later, appearing as a second-half substitute in the club’s season opener.

The Michigan native brings strength, composure, and versatility to a Lexington SC side continuing to take shape ahead of its inaugural Gainbridge Super League campaign.

Lexington SC will begin preseason play on July 13 with a road match against Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium.

Fall season tickets are on sale now! If you are interested in Lexington SC ticketing opportunities, please call (859) 201-3932 or purchase online here.

About Lexington Sporting Club 

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields. 

Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is pleased to announce the loan signing of forward Mariana Larroquette from Orlando Pride, pending league and federation approval. 

Larroquette is a seasoned Argentine forward with professional experience across South America, Europe, and the NWSL. She began her career at River Plate and has since played for Universidad de Chile, Norway’s Lyn, Sporting CP, and León in Mexico. 

She joined Orlando Pride in 2023 after appearing in 19 matches for Kansas City Current in 2021. On the international stage, Larroquette has represented Argentina in two FIFA Women’s World Cups, the 2021 SheBelieves Cup, and the 2019 Pan American Games. 

Bringing veteran leadership, a proven goal-scoring ability, and extensive international experience, Larroquette adds depth and quality to the Lexington SC frontline. 

With the new season approaching, Larroquette joins a talented Lexington SC team eager to leave its mark on the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League. 

The countdown to the new season begins July 13, when Lexington SC visits Lynn Family Stadium for a preseason match against Racing Louisville FC. 

About Lexington Sporting Club  

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.  

Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club has signed Addie McCain on a transfer from Fort Lauderdale United FC ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval. A proven talent, the midfielder is coming off a stellar 2024/25 USL Super League campaign in which she tallied 10 goals and earned All-League First Team honors.

A Wylie, Texas native, McCain grew up playing in the FC Dallas academy and for Wylie East High School. As a high school sophomore in 2015, she led the Lady Raiders to the Texas 5A State Championship and was named MVP of the tournament.

McCain graduated high school early to enroll at Texas A&M University, where she played collegiate soccer from 2017 to 2020. Over four seasons with the Aggies, she made 75 appearances, including 66 starts, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists from midfield with four of those goals being of the game-winning variety. Her standout college career earned her multiple accolades, including 2020 All-SEC First Team and 2020 SEC Midfielder of the Year honors.

In 2021, McCain was selected 17th overall in the NWSL Draft by the Kansas City Current, making her professional debut on April 26, 2021, against the Houston Dash. After two seasons in Kansas City, she joined the Chicago Red Stars, spending the 2023 season with the club.

In the summer of 2024, McCain signed with Fort Lauderdale United FC ahead of the inaugural USL Super League season. She played a central role in the club’s run to the USL Super League Final, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s top midfielders.

Now in Lexington, McCain brings experience and a proven track record to a team building toward an exciting 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League campaign.

Lexington SC will begin preseason play on July 13 with a road match against Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium.

Fall season tickets for Lexington SC’s Gainbridge Super League campaign are on sale now! For ticketing opportunities, call (859) 201-3932 or purchase online here.

About Lexington Sporting Club 

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields. 

Lexington, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club has re-signed goalkeeper Sarah Cox ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, bringing back a key figure from its inaugural campaign. 

Cox made her presence known with several big moments between the posts, including a highlight-reel stop at home against Brooklyn FC that earned her USL Super League Save of the Year honors. Whether called upon as a starter or stepping in when needed, Cox showed poise, sharp instincts, and the kind of fearless mentality fans love to rally behind. 

With Cox back in goal, Lexington retains a steady and trusted presence as it looks to build on the foundation laid last season and continue pushing forward in year two. 

The road to the 2025/26 season begins July 13 as Lexington SC takes on Racing Louisville FC in a preseason battle at Lynn Family Stadium. 

About Lexington Sporting Club 

Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship (U.S. Soccer Second Division men’s professional soccer), and in the Gainbridge Super League (U.S. Soccer First Division women’s professional soccer). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC has recently opened a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.