Football Season Guide

Lexington missed out on the playoffs by a point last season in what was their first USL campaign, suffering a catastrophic collapse in their form towards the end of the season as they lost 4 of their last 5 games and drew the other. During that run, they conceded 12 goals, conceding 2 or more in each fixture – the worst run of the season. After wilting under that pressure, they have moved in a different direction, with Masaki Hemmi appointed as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Japanese has been working in women’s football for the last 2 years but is not without USL experience, having taken charge of New Mexico United for a caretaker spell that lasted several months in 2023. Lexington’s biggest issue last season was a lack of goals. They managed only 31 across their 30 league fixtures. This was 4 fewer than any other side that reached the playoffs, yet their goals against tally of 42 was better than 4 sides in the top 8. It’s clear that the attack needs to be improved. Hemmi has largely retained the bulk of the regulars from last season – losing loan players Kieran Sargeant and Forster Ajago – with the notable exception of midfielders Sofiane Djeffal and Devon Willians, who started 19 and 18 games respectively. Given that they only contributed 1 goal and assist between them, this is an opportunity to bring more effective attacking players to the squad. Philip Goodrun is a promising signing in attack. Last season he scored 13 times for Louisville, while he has 9 or more goals in each of the last 4 campaigns. This should help Lexington significantly. The midfield issue has also been addressed. Aaron Molloy and Luis Felipe arrive from Charleston and Sacramento respectively, and though both are primarily defensive players, they are capable of chipping in at the other end. Molloy even had a season with Memphis when he had 8 goals and 10 assists. Tarik Scott on the left wing, meanwhile, has the makings of a squad filler. Even the defence appears improved. Arturo Ordonez’s arrival from Louisville is another promising signing while in goal the additions of Oliver Semmle and Johan Penaranda add both strength and depth.