First Member of Men’s Pro Staff Announced
September 29, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Lexington Sporting Club News Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club has announced the signing of Connor Talbot as the Head of Goalkeeping, overseeing all goalkeeping coaches and curriculum throughout the organization. Talbot will also serve as the goalkeeping coach for Lexington’s United Soccer League (USL) League One first team.
Raised in Greenville, S.C., Talbot has been coaching for seven years following a playing career that saw him compete collegiately in the NCAA and professionally in the Professional Development League (now USL League Two).
Talbot is currently the Goalkeeper Coach and Assistant Coach for the US Virgin Islands Men’s National Team, where he has helped prepare them for World Cup Qualifying and CONCACAF Nations League campaigns.
“Soccer has this unique ability to bring people together and experience a shared joy that we can all be a part of,” Talbot said. “I think Lexington Sporting Club exemplifies this idea and I am thrilled for the opportunity to join and help grow the soccer community’s goalkeeping family, and for the chance to help inspire and create exciting new opportunities for all of our goalkeepers.”
He joins Lexington Sporting Club from the Lonestar Soccer Club, an elite youth program in Austin, Texas. At the club since 2018, Talbot is the Junior Director of Coaching while coaching multiple boys’ and girls’ youth teams.
Prior to this position, Talbot worked with Austin Bold FC of the USL Championship as an Assistant Goalkeeping Coach.
Talbot has years of experience playing on the field, as well. Following a youth career at North Carolina FC and Lonestar SC, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree while playing for NCAA Division II Mars Hill University. After three seasons, he completed his collegiate career at perennial DII powerhouse Lynn University while pursuing his Master’s in Sport Management.
He wasn’t done there, as he would go on to play professionally for Houston FC.
“I’ve known Connor for more than 10 years, so I’ve seen his work ethic and passion for developing goalkeepers firsthand,” said Sam Stockley, Sporting Director. “He has an infectious hunger and desire to create relationships, which is why he will be a huge addition to the club and the right person to develop our goalkeeping program-a vital part of our club philosophy.
“We understand, in the modern game, this needs to be a specialized training program, and Conner’s role will be to build that for our goalkeepers. This isn’t just about the professionals, either. Connor will be submerged in our youth club and working with all keepers and goalkeeping coaches as he implements the methodology across all ages.”
Launching in 2023, the Lexington Sporting Club first team will be competing in USL League One. They will face the likes of the Charlotte Independence, Richmond Kickers, and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Ryan Thompson, Austin Bold FC Head Coach & founder of RTG Academy
“Connor is a passionate, hard-working person who is a student of the game. His love for the game is evident in everything he does, especially in the goalkeeping department. He adds great value to every environment he is in, and I can’t wait to see all the great work and added value he will bring to Lexington. The RTG Academy family will miss him, but we are very happy and excited for him!”
Scott Leudtke, Lonestar Soccer Club Head Coach
“Connor is someone whose energy you can feel the moment you step on the field. His genuine love and passion for helping players achieve their goals on and off the field are unmatched. He also brings a great deal of experience, having worked at nearly every level of the youth game as well as experience in the professional and international ranks. Lexington is receiving one of the best young coaches around, and I wish Connor and the club all the best heading into the season.”
John Rootes, Lynn University Head Coach
“Connor is an outstanding, young goalkeeping coach. His enthusiasm, work ethic and knowledge of the game are truly special. Connor is a great reflection of the Lynn soccer family, and we wish him the best of luck in Lexington.”
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