Support Us Button Widget

In their words: A preview of Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season

Hear from Coach Sam Stockley + defender Diallo Irakoze on their excitement for the upcoming season.

Lexington Sporting Club teammates standing in a huddle.

Lexington Sporting Club teammates huddle after a scrimmage against Georgetown College. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Sporting Club

Table of Contents

We are just nine days away from Lexington Sporting Club’s inaugural season-opener against One Knoxville SC in Knoxville, TN, and less than a month out from their first home match on Saturday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at Toyota Stadium.

We spoke with Coach Sam Stockley and the hometown players at a recent practice to hear their thoughts on the upcoming season.

⚽ Coach Sam Stockley

On his excitement for the season —
“Difficult to put it into words at the moment. The lads are working so hard ... they’re excited, they’re bubbling, they’re full of passion, and they’re ready to go.”

⚽ Diallo Irakoze

On how it feels to be a part of the inaugural team —
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially this being my first ever professional team, it’s a really exciting thing.”

Stay tuned, we’ll have more fun quotes from the team in a future newsletter. 👀

More from LEXtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lexington.
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in the Lexington metro area with this guide to local business.
Take the work out of the tailgate so you can focus on rooting on the Wildcats with these catering options.
We asked for you to show some love to LEX’s small biz scene, and you sent us the goods.
Reach your local community with our help.
Summer isn’t over yet, and we’re here to help you check off the rest of your bucket list. From whitewater rafting to luxurious pool days, there’s an activity for everyone to finish the season strong.
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 21 gyms and fitness offerings around Lexington.
We asked for songs that remind you of home, and here are the suggestions you sent in.
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in LEX.