Following a challenging inaugural season that saw Lexington SC finish at the bottom of the table with just 18 points and a –33 goal differential, the team is turning a new page with a bold approach and a roster to match.
Headlining Lexington’s announcements is new head coach, Masaki Hemmi. The Tokyo, Japan native moved to the United States as a teenager and has since built a career in soccer that reflects both global perspective and deep roots in the game. Hemmi joins a Lexington technical staff that has wasted no time adding new talent to the roster for the upcoming season.
In the past two weeks, the team announced the addition of 14 new signings, featuring six strong interleague transfers. The biggest announcement was the addition of midfielder Addie McCain, who captained Fort Lauderdale United FC last season and led the team to the 2025 USL Super League Final. McCain started all 30 matches for FTL UTD, leading the team in minutes (2,673), goals (10), chances created (40), duels won (198) and tackles won (61). She was also the lone representative for the team on the All-League First Team. Former FTL UTD midfielder and teammate Tati Fung is also taking her talents to the Bluegrass State.
Another huge offseason signing for the team is former Brooklyn FC ironwomen Allison Pantuso. The center back played every minute in all 28 matches for BKFC, leading the team in tackles won (75), duels won (185) and ranking third in clearances (78).
From Spokane Zephyr FC, a trio of teammates are making the move together: Taylor Aylmer, McKenzie Weinert, and Alyssa Bourgeois. Aylmer, who captained the Zephyr, contributed four goals and maintained 80.7% passing accuracy over 23 starts last season. Weinert, the April Player of the Month, adds firepower to the front line, while Bourgeois strengthens the defense, joining returning defenders NaYeong Shin, Trinity Watson, and Madison Perez.
These new additions, paired with the notable returners Shea Moyer, Nicole Vernis, and goalkeeper Sarah Cox, as well as Argentinian Mariana Larroquette on loan from Orlando Pride, Lexington will look to see distinguishable improvement and make a run at the playoffs and Final this season.