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Lexington, Kentucky (WKYT) – Their pro team hasn’t even had their first practice yet. But the Lexington Sporting Club won big on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
A third question allows the club to move forward with plans for a stadium that will eventually house its team. The LFUCG Planning Commission has unanimously approved a zone change request and conditional use permit to allow the stadium along Boonsboro Road in Athens.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to win the championship.<\/p>\n
Some supporters wanted it downtown, but supporter Tyler Crane sees the benefits of the current location. <\/p>\n
“Being next to an interstate has been very effective in attracting out-of-state competition, like people from Knoxville, Chattanooga,” Crane said.<\/p>\n
Supporters say it’s up to the team to make location an issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think if the team succeeds, it will succeed,\u201d said J\u00e9sus Robles, who co-founded The Railbirds, the club’s first group of supporters.<\/p>\n
The roster was quickly put together and the club has been signing since the new year. They announced 21 new players in his 20 days.<\/p>\n
“But I think we still have a lot of work to do to get people invested in the pro side of the game, especially as a local here,” Crane said.<\/p>\n
So Crane has researched and profiled all of them. You can read more about the player here.<\/p>\n
“Just to give people an idea of \u200b\u200bwho they are because they may not have heard of them before,” Crane said.<\/p>\n
Playing in the USL League 1, the third division of American soccer, Crane knows his name recognition isn’t always good for his fans. However, he is confident that the final product on the pitch will attract spectators.<\/p>\n
“Once you start watching them play and you’re like, ‘That’s why they signed this guy,’ I think that’s where the profit comes from,” Crane said.<\/p>\n
Owner Bill Shibley hopes the pros will set an example for the hundreds of Kentuckians already participating in the youth program.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s great for kids to see the pros as they mix with our sports clubs. [does]the dedication it takes and how they do it,” Shirey said.<\/p>\n
The club is nearing a permanent home but needs a temporary location. <\/p>\n
The club was expected to play its first season at the Wendell & Vicky Bell soccer complex, which hosts the University of Kentucky’s men’s and women’s soccer teams. British authorities say the university and the club were unable to reach an agreement after making proposals. So the search continues.<\/p>\n
The Lexington Sporting Club kicks off the season March 18 in Knoxville. The home opener comes just a few weeks later when he faces forward Madison on April 8th.<\/p>\n
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