USL Championship

LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s shaping up to be an exciting night at Lexington SC Stadium as the lads host North Carolina FC for College Night and $1.50 Beer Night, presented by CELSIUS. 

Fans 21 and older can enjoy $1.50 beers all match long, making this the perfect game to bring your friends, rep your school colors and pack the stands with energy. 

At halftime, the fun continues with the CELSIUS Jersey Race, where college students will compete for bragging rights and prizes while keeping the stadium buzzing. The winner will receive $1,000, courtesy of CELSIUS.

Sign ups for the race will be at the table located near the CELSIUS booth, just inside the ARH Gate. Fans must show a valid student ID to be eligible to participate.

Two lucky fans will also be randomly selected to win premium giveaways: a pair of Apple AirPods Max or a Stanley Cooler. 

With Lexington SC facing off against North Carolina FC and all the off-field excitement, this is a matchday experience you won’t want to miss. 

Match Details: 

• Opponent: North Carolina FC 

• Theme Night: College Night & $1.50 Beer Night 

• Presented by: CELSIUS

• Halftime: Celsius Jersey Race 

• Giveaways: Apple AirPods Max & Stanley Cooler (randomly selected winners) 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Friday night’s USL Championship match between Lexington Sporting Club and North Carolina FC, as well the two remaining Friday night contests on LSC’s 2025 schedule, will air locally on FOX 56 in addition to streaming on CBS Sports Golazo Network or ESPN+ nationally.

USL Championship matches to air on FOX 56 through the conclusion of the season include: 

• Friday, Sept. 5 vs. North Carolina FC — 6 p.m. EST, presented by Celsius 

• Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Orange County SC — 6 p.m. EST, presented by KEMI 

• Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Sacramento Republic FC — 6 p.m. EST 

Local fans that cannot attend the matches at Lexington SC Stadium are encouraged to tune into the action on FOX 56.

For out-of-town fans that bleed green, matches on Sept. 5 and Sept. 12 will be streamed live on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

ESPN+ will stream the match on Oct. 17 vs. Sacramento.

As the official media partner of Lexington SC, FOX 56 and the club are dedicated to making professional soccer accessible throughout Central Kentucky while providing the best possible broadcast experience.

Tickets to each match can be secured here.

LAS VEGAS — Lexington Sporting Club’s three-match win streak came to an end Saturday night in frustrating fashion at the hands of Las Vegas Lights FC. A first-half own goal was all that separated the two sides, and despite losing 1-0, Lexington’s defense never allowed a shot on target.

Disaster struck early for Lexington as a routine backwards pass from defender to goalkeeper in the 17′ minute went awry. The ball skipped awkwardly off the keeper’s boot and into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage before either side officially recorded a shot.

Lexington shrugged off a sluggish first 45 minutes and began immediately threatening in the second half.

It unleashed a flurry of scoring chances around the 60′ minute with Nick Firmino and substitute Braudílio Rodrigues earning golden scoring chances, but the goal remained elusive.

With only seconds remaining on the clock, another Lexington substitute, Forster Ajago, came inches away from netting the equalizer. His header forced a fingertip save from the Lights’ goalkeeper which then ricocheted off the crossbar to safety.

“I would say that it wasn’t our best night in terms of how we played and sticking to our identity, but we still created enough chances to win and those are the ones that hurt,” said Head Coach Terry Boss after the match.

Losing despite not surrendering a shot on target is more than a soccer anomaly — it is seemingly impossible and highlights just how cruel the sport can be on any given night.

Lexington falls to sixth place in the Western Conference standings with the result and will look to reestablish another win streak Friday night.

GOALS
17′ LV — Brooks Thompson (OG)

LINEUPS
LEX: Thompson, Sargeant, Burks, Gibert, Adedokun, Ferri, Williams, Hafferty, Firmino, Epps, Burke (Subs used: Rodrigues, Ajago)
LV: Arozarena, Jones, Gärtig, Herbert, Singer, Pearson, McNamara, Gaines, Leal, Gannon, Rodriguez (Subs used: Pickering, Humphrey, Smart, Stojanovic, O’Driscoll)

UP NEXT
Lexington SC is back in USL Championship action on Friday, Sept. 5 to host North Carolina FC. The match, presented by Celsius, will feature $1.50 beers for fans and kick off at 6 p.m. EST. Tickets are available here.

The women’s Gainbridge Super League Home Opener is Sunday at Lexington SC Stadium, presented by Gainbridge, rounding out 48 hours jam-packed with soccer action. LSC kicks off vs. Brooklyn FC at 2 p.m. EST on Sept. 7. Fans will receive a commemorative ticket and a “Powered by HER” wristband. Tickets are available here.

LAS VEGAS — Fresh off a dramatic stoppage-time stunner, its third consecutive victory on the bounce, Lexington SC has rocketed up the congested Western Conference standings. Now sitting in fifth place, just one point shy of hosting a home playoff match, Sin City awaits as The Greens take on Las Vegas Lights FC tomorrow night.

Lexington’s current three-match win streak is tied for its longest win streak in club history. A victory on Saturday would not only eclipse the record but also extend a stretch in which LSC has picked up points in eight of its last nine outings (6W-1L-2D).

Rather than one man fueling the streak, the wealth has been spread. One goal from Forster Ajago, Michael Adedokun, Cory Burke and Joe Hafferty apiece, plus some self-inflicted pain by San Antonio FC, has lifted Lexington above its opposition.

Defensively, LSC has kept two clean sheets during the winning streak, only conceding once. Two defenders were named to the USL Championship Week 25 Team of the Week on Tuesday for their performances vs. Oakland — Hafferty and Kieran Sargeant, each player’s second Team of the Week award of the season.

The two sides previously clashed on April 12, a 0-0 draw that was a defensive battle from start to finish. LSC retained the lion’s share of the possession at 62%, but both sides managed to steer only one shot on target.

Kickoff from Cashman Field is set for 10:30 p.m. EST.

SCOUTING LAS VEGAS
Much like the roller coaster twisting around the faux skyline of the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the Vegas Strip, the Lights’ season was up — then dipped dramatically.

The club began the campaign strong with a 3W-2L-3D record before the wheels fell off. Since May 3, Las Vegas has posted a 2W-9L-3D record and has been outscored 32-11. It currently sits in 12th place in the West.

Devin Rensing was appointed as the Lights’ new gaffer on August 4, and the club has mustered two draws and a loss in three matches with him at the helm.

Forward Johnny Rodriguez leads the side with eight goals, complemented by Gennaro Nigro whose five assists is best on the club.

STAT OF THE MATCH
It’s all about the wins. Prior to the 2025 season, Lexington SC only won consecutive league matches once in club history — Aug. 5, 2023 at Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (4-3), then Aug. 12, 2023 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC (3-2) of USL League One.

This season, LSC has established a three-match win streak twice with a chance to extend its current run to four on Saturday night.  

HOW TO WATCH
The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. EST.

TAMPA, Fla. — Following Lexington SC’s heroic 2-1 comeback victory Saturday night vs. Oakland Roots SC, two key playmakers received league recognition Tuesday for their outstanding contributions. Defenders Joe Hafferty and Kieran Sargeant were each named to the Week 25 Team of the Week by the USL Championship.

Hafferty contributed to both of Lexington’s goals on Saturday, assisting Cory Burke’s equalizer in the 82’ minute before netting the match-winner himself three minutes into stoppage time.

In total, he created three scoring chances for his teammates, won two of his three tackles in addition to 70% of his duels and made six recoveries.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Sargeant was no slouch himself. The 22-year-old was a menace down the flank all night, creating a team-high four scoring chances and sending 17 passes into the final third.

Sargeant also assisted Hafferty’s goal, his club-leading fourth helper of the season.

The honor marks the second for both players during the 2025 campaign. Hafferty previously received the award in Week 1 of the USL Championship season while Sargeant received it in Week 19.

Riding a three-match win streak, Lexington SC hits the road this weekend to take on Las Vegas Lights FC Saturday night. Las Vegas currently sits in last place in the Western Conference standings. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. EST.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Sporting Club has inked midfielder Blaine Ferri to a new deal keeping the 24-year-old in green through the end of the 2026 season.

Ferri, who initially signed a 25-day contract with the club on July 31, impressed in four appearances for Lexington. He started all four contests, logging 331 minutes.

With the ball at his feet, Ferri has completed nearly 92% of his passes with Lexington and set up the assist leading to Joe Hafferty’s 90+3’ minute match-winner over Oakland Roots SC on Aug. 23.

Defensively, the Texas native has won 57% of his tackles, 58% of his duels and made eight interceptions.

“I’m happy to sign with Lexington through next season,” said Ferri. “My teammates and the fans have been very welcoming since I got here and I’m excited to help this club do great things.”

Ferri is back in action for Lexington SC on Saturday night as the club takes on Las Vegas Lights FC. Kickoff from Cashman Field is set for 10:30 p.m. EST and will be streamed on ESPN+.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is proud to announce the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Latif Atta Blessing to its USL Championship men’s team roster for the 2025 season. 

Blessing’s rise began on the streets of Accra, where his quick feet and relentless energy stood out long before he reached the professional stage. His breakthrough came with Liberty Professionals in the Ghana Premier League, where he became the league’s top scorer in 2016 with 17 goals and earned recognition as the nation’s Best Player of the Year. That season not only showcased his scoring ability but also his fearless style of play, catching the attention of international scouts and paving the way for his move to the United States. 

In 2017, Blessing joined Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, making an immediate impact by helping the club secure the U.S. Open Cup. His career took another leap forward when he was selected by Los Angeles FC in the MLS Expansion Draft later that year. Over five seasons in Los Angeles, Blessing became a fixture in the lineup, making more than 140 league appearances and playing a pivotal role in the club’s rapid rise. His tenure included a Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and an unforgettable double in 2022 when LAFC lifted both the Shield and MLS Cup. He continued his MLS journey with New England and Houston, showcasing the versatility to thrive both in midfield and as an attacking spark. 

Following his success in Los Angeles, Blessing went on to feature for the New England Revolution, Toronto FC, and Houston Dynamo, adding to his reputation as a versatile and experienced contributor in both midfield and attack. 

Now, as he joins Lexington Sporting Club in the 2025 USL Championship season, Blessing brings championship pedigree, pace, and creativity to a growing squad. His arrival represents not just another signing, but a statement of intent for a young club eager to establish itself as a contender in American soccer. 

Lexington SC’s USL Championship tickets are on sale now! If you are interested in ticketing opportunities, please call (859) 201-3932 or visit www.lexsporting.com/tickets.  

For more information about Lexington Sporting Club and its upcoming initiatives, please 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 is also home to a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields. 

Lexington Sporting Club delivered a dramatic finish at home on Saturday night, scoring twice in the final minutes to beat Oakland Roots SC 2-1 at Lexington SC Stadium.

Oakland grabbed the lead in the sixth minute when forward Peter Wilson (#9) redirected a long ball from Neveal Hackshaw (#15) into the net, quieting the home crowd early. The visitors held that advantage for much of the match as Lexington pressed forward, searching for an equalizer.

The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute. Forward Cory Burke (#99) powered in a diving header at the near post, meeting a driven cross from defender Joe Hafferty (#6) to tie the match.

With momentum swinging, Lexington pushed forward again, and Hafferty provided the decisive moment in stoppage time. After creating the equalizer, he turned finisher, sliding into the box to tap home the winner.

The victory capped a comeback that showcased Lexington’s resilience and delivered another memorable night at home.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club is pleased to announce the permanent signing of midfielder Michael Adedokun, completing his transfer from Major League Soccer’s CF Montréal.

Adedokun, 24, originally joined Lexington on loan earlier this year and quickly became a standout performer. His contributions on both sides of the ball, combined with his pace and technical ability, earned him a key role in the squad and paved the way for the club to make the move permanent. 

The Nigerian-born midfielder was selected 13th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft before signing with CF Montréal. He arrived in Lexington in March 2025 to gain valuable playing experience and immediately impressed with his consistent performances. 

Before beginning his professional career, Adedokun enjoyed a decorated collegiate run at the University of Dayton and Ohio State University. His accomplishments include winning the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy in 2024, awarded to the top men’s collegiate soccer player in the nation. He also competed in USL League Two, making an impact with the Dayton Dutch Lions, Fort Wayne FC, and Flint City Bucks. 

With this transfer, Adedokun will continue his career in Lexington as a central part of the club’s long-term vision and ambitions within the USL Championship.

Lexington SC’s USL Championship tickets are on sale now! If you are interested in ticketing opportunities, please call (859) 201-3932 or visit www.lexsporting.com/tickets. 

For more information about Lexington Sporting Club and its upcoming initiatives, please 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 is also home to a 7500-seat, state-of-the-art stadium, indoor facilities and training fields.