By Caitlin Ladd, LouCity Insider
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC’s second season brought several new players into the fold, one of which being USL veteran and former Major League Soccer defender, Ben Newnam, at full back.
Newnam joined LouCity in January after getting a call from coach James O’Connor after the 2015 season ended. Newnam knew about LouCity from the news that spread through the league last season about the team’s abilities and fan support.
“I think it’s a really good fit for me,” Newnam said. “It was definitely enticing for me to come here. I jumped at the opportunity to work with (O’Connor) and I think that he’s someone that I can learn a lot from.”
Newnam’s joined LouCity with a little familiarity, joining Wake Forest teammate Andrew Lubahn. Newnam has found that both Wake Forest and LouCity stress the close-knit family atmosphere.
“We both really get along well and there’s always that connection when you play with someone that you’ve played with before on another team,” Newnam said. “It’s always good to see familiar faces and (he’s) a good friend of mine.”
Newnam started his professional career with the Charlotte Eagles of the USL Pro in 2013. During his first professional season, he advanced to the 2013 USL Pro Championship, facing off against O’Connor and Orlando City SC. The Championship ended in a shattering 7-4 win for Orlando.
After that result, Newnam prefers to be on the same side as O’Connor and enjoys working with him. He’s found that O’Connor has a certain mentality and attitude that helps push him in practice.
“It’s good to play for someone who really believes in you and plays a system and style of play that can really bring out the best in me and my qualities,” Newnam said.
After two seasons with the Eagles, Newnam signed with MLS-side Colorado Rapids for the 2015 season. After one game with the team, Newnam was loaned to Charlotte Independence for most of the season. The defender finished his season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Newnam found last year’s experiences beneficial. He said that he was able to learn a lot from the teams he was working with even if he wasn’t able to play many minutes.
Newman’s played 585 minutes for LouCity over the course of seven games. The defender’s delivered one assist and launched four shots.
“It’s been good and I love playing,” Newman commented. “Hopefully I can just continue to further my career.”
Louisville City continues on the road to face the Charleston Battery on May 28 (7:30 p.m. |WATCH), followed by an Open Cup fixture with Indy Eleven on June 1 (7:30 p.m. | TICKETS).
LouCity returns to Slugger Field on June 11 to host Wilmington Hammerheads (7:30 p.m. | TICKETS).
