AC St. Louis Official Website

United States Soccer Federation Division II Professional League Website

ST. LOUIS – Former University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer standout John Lesko recently inked a professional contract with the Athletic Club of St. Louis of the United States Soccer Federation Division II Professional League.
 
The United States Soccer Federation Division II Professional League is the second division professional soccer league in the United States. In 2010, the United States Soccer Federation formed an agreement between United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL), under which the USSF would operate the league in the 2010 season and work alongside the USL and NASL on day-to-day activities. 

The league consists of two conferences of six teams named the USL Conference and the NASL Conference. The USL Conference includes the Austin Aztex, Minnesota Thunder, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Rochester Rhinos and Tampa Bay Rowdies. The NASL Conference is made up of Crystal Palace Baltimore, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, AC St. Louis and Vancouver Whitecaps. 

A 6-foot-3 defender out of Richland, Wash., Lesko was named to the 2009 Daktronics NCAA Division II Southeast Region Men's Soccer Second Team. He was also chosen to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference All-Conference team.  

A 2009 preseason All-Peach Belt Conference selection and four-year starter, Lesko was tabbed to the 2009 All-PBC second team as a defender.
 
Lesko finished his senior campaign with three goals and two assists from his central defensive position.
 
The 2009 team captain, Lesko ended his career as a two-time All-PBC player as he was named to the team at the conclusion of the 2008 season. He was also named to the PBC All-Tournament team in 2008.
 
Lesko will play his first regular season professional soccer game in the Carolinas as AC St. Louis will commence its inaugural campaign by playing the Carolina RailHawks at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
 
One week later, AC St. Louis will begin its 2010 home campaign with a contest against the Austin Aztex on Saturday, April 17 at AB Soccer Park.