BUIES CREEK, N.C. –
Jalen James of Campbell University has signed a professional contract with Lexington Sporting Club of the 2023 United Soccer League (USL) League One.
A former U-15 national team member, James scored 20 goals with 8 assists (48 points) in 60 career matches at Campbell. A two-time All-Big South Conference performer, he won 5 league trophies and appeared in two NCAA College Cup tournaments over four seasons with the Camels.
As a senior in the 2022 season, James was chosen first-team all-league after he ranked second among Big South leaders in points (19) and goals (8). He scored three game-winning goals for the Big South regular season champs and tournament runner-up.
James also helped lead his team to Big South tournament titles in 2019 and 2021.
He is the fourth member of Campbell's '22 Big South regular season championship winning team to move on to the pro ranks.
Tyler Young (Atlanta United) and
Moses Mensah (Real Salt Lake) were selected in the MLS SuperDraft, while
Kemy Amiche signed a free agent contract with Nashville SC.
"We are really excited for Jalen to embark on his pro career," said Campbell head coach
Dustin Fonder. "He showed great development during his time at Campbell, and we anticipate continued growth moving forward. He will be a great player for Lexington and an even better ambassador in the community."
A 22-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, James has a decorated amateur career that includes multiple US Youth National Team call-ups and successful performances with FC Dallas Academy.
He began playing soccer at a young age and showed immediate promise, attaining multiple US Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program camps and a pair of USYSA State Cup championships. From 2013-15, he was invited to the U13-15 National Team training camps, joining other forwards such as Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah.
On the club side, he was selected to FC Dallas Academy, where he played from 2014-18 alongside current Major League Soccer star, Jesus Ferreira. James turned in stellar performances on the biggest stages with his club, scoring goals at the US Soccer Development Academy Championship and Generation adidas Cup Qualifying, among other notable competitions.
He was named a top 20 prospect in USL League Two last summer Tormenta FC 2, and has earned Central Team of the Year honors while playing with Mississippi Brilla FC.
Lexington begins the USL League One season March 18 at One Knox SC, and will welcome Forward Madison FC for the home opener April 8. The full schedule can be found here.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer Third Division Men's Professional Soccer League). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the professional team is the pinnacle of the soccer eco-system in Lexington, Ky., and features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women's team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club's formal stadium, performance center and training fields.
