While we all wait for the next round of talks about a professional soccer team in Lexington, a couple of local soccer coaches, Jimmy Rue and Mike Donnelly, have formed a competitive amateur adult soccer team, the Lexington Landsharks.
Donnelly, the team’s head coach, says that “While Lexington does a good job of offering a competitive environment for players 3-18 years old, there is nothing available for competitive play after that.” He goes on to say “The team was formed to provide competitive opportunities for players 18-35 years old, that may lead to a higher level of competition elsewhere.”
The Landsharks are part of the Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL), consisting of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and currently has six teams. The league is sanctioned by U.S Club Soccer, and with its amateur status, allows for current college players to play without jeopardizing their eligibility.
The team will have several former players from local high schools and clubs. Guillermo Clemente, who played for Dunbar High School and Lexington Futbol Club, has already been named captain of the team. Alex Moody, who played his high school ball at Lafayette, will start in the goal. Daniel David, Marketing Director, said the Landsharks have been “…contacted by several college players from the surrounding states interested in playing.”
One of the team’s goals, according to Jimmy Rue, Head of Operations, will be to “Qualify, and play, in the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup.” Commonly known as the U.S Open Cup, it is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. “This sanction by U.S Club Soccer now gives us a path to qualification!”
The Landsharks’ season will be from May 15-July 15. They will play three home games at Transylvania University and an exhibition game in Frankfort. Dates still to be determined.
You can contact the Landsharks at www.lexingtonlandsharks.com
