Lance Laing’s journey from the NASL to the Texas touchlines

When long-time fans look back at the final season of Minnesota United’s NASL era, the dynamic left foot of Lance Laing instantly comes to mind.

The Jamaican international arrived in Minnesota ahead of the 2016 campaign with a massive reputation, having previously established himself as an absolute force out wide and earning multiple NASL Best XI honors. During his lone season in Black and Blue, he made 17 league appearances, providing width, pace, and one incredibly memorable highlight: a brilliantly timed, cheeky chip over the goalkeeper from outside the box to secure an equalizer against Miami FC.

But where did his career take him after the Loons made their jump to MLS, and where is he today?

Navigating the USL landscape

Following his 2016 campaign in Minnesota, Laing remained in the NASL for one more year, putting up an eight-goal season with North Carolina FC in 2017.

When the landscape of American lower-division soccer shifted, Laing took his talents to the USL Championship. He signed with FC Cincinnati ahead of their 2018 season, but playing time proved hard to come by in a crowded midfield. Seeking more minutes, he was sent out on loan to San Antonio FC late in the 2018 campaign—a move that ultimately redefined the final chapter of his playing career.

Laing immediately caught fire in Texas. During that initial 10-game loan stint, he racked up five goals and six assists, tying a club record by recording both a goal and an assist in five different matches. His instant impact earned him a permanent contract with San Antonio FC for the 2019 season.

Transitioning to the touchline

Laing officially hung up his boots and retired from professional play in early 2020, but he did not step away from the game entirely.

Having found a community his family loved during his time with San Antonio FC, Laing decided to put down permanent roots in the Alamo City. He shifted his focus to the sidelines, leveraging his extensive professional and international experience to develop the next generation of youth talent in Texas.

Where is he now?

Today, Laing is fully immersed in the San Antonio youth soccer scene. After spending time coaching locally with One Goal FC alongside former professional teammate Ever Guzmán, he is currently a coach within the San Antonio City Soccer Club (SA City SC) organization. For the 2025–2026 season, the 38-year-old is listed on the club’s coaching slate, guiding multiple boys’ youth squads and passing on the technical skills and creativity that once made him one of the most feared left-sided players in the American lower divisions.