SAN ANTONIO - San Antonio FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Kameron Lacey ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Lacey joins SAFC after a season with Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he appeared in 20 matches and led the team with 10 goals and 30 shots on target. He was named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 15 after posting a hat trick against Portland Timbers 2.

“We are excited to welcome Kameron to the team,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “His energy, commitment to teammates and relentless work ethic on both ends of the ball, including quality in front of the goal, are key attributes he possesses. With a growth mindset and unwavering commitment to professional progress, Kameron is set to contribute to the team's success. We eagerly anticipate tapping into his potential and aiding in his progression.”

Before beginning his professional career, Lacey was a standout at UNC Charlotte, where he made 58 appearances and recorded 17 goals and 14 assists. The 23-year-old notched career highs in goals and assists during his senior campaign with the 49ers, earning All-American Athletic Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Second Team honors in 2022.

Analysis

Kameron Lacey’s signing by San Antonio FC feels like another prototypical forward for Head Coach Alen Marcina’s direct style, with the former Jamaica U-20 international coming off a successful season in MLS NEXT Pro that saw him hit double-digit goals for Minnesota United FC 2.

Lacey averaged only 24.1 touches per 90 minutes, but more than a quarter of those came in the opposing penalty areas, an average of 6.81 touches per 90, putting him in the upper tier of the league’s forwards. He also averaged 3.44 shots and 1.81 shots on target per 90 minutes and completed 75 percent of dribbles (15 of 20). He should fit right in to SAFC’s plans this campaign.