Louisville City FC Chairman John Neace will take on a larger role within the front office, the club announced Tuesday, as President Amanda Duffy moves on to a new opportunity at the National Women’s Soccer League.
Duffy’s work with LouCity will conclude on Friday before she starts as managing director of operations for the NWSL, working out of U.S. Soccer’s offices in Chicago.
“The rapid growth and success of Louisville City FC could not have been accomplished without Amanda’s steady hands, approach and knowledge of the league,” Neace said. “We will be forever grateful for her efforts. We wish her nothing but success in her career. While we will miss her, our commitment to quality and a winning tradition will continue.”
Through this week, Duffy remains the only female president in the USL, which could grow to larger than 30 teams next year. The North Carolina native previously worked as director of USL operations and later as senior director of its women’s pro-am division.
Neace, founder and chairman of Neace Ventures, has served as a member of the club’s ownership and board of managers since their inception in June of 2014. He was appointed chairman in September with a focus on building a soccer-specific stadium.
“Leading the establishment of Louisville City FC, a club that has risen to have one of the best supporter environments in the league and ranks among the most successful USL clubs currently operating in just two years, has been one of my most rewarding career accomplishments,” Duffy said. “There is truly a unique energy in Louisville surrounding this club, and the future has not looked brighter than it does now.
“I leave with pride in all that has been achieved and all that lies ahead for Louisville City, and with gratitude for the opportunity, trust and support from everyone involved.”
Duffy earned a promotion from LouCity’s general manager to president in November 2015, after the club advanced to the Eastern Conference Final and ranked second in average home attendance during its inaugural United Soccer League season. LouCity then saw increased attendance in 2016 and another run to the conference final.
Coach James O’Connor has secured 13 returning players for the 2017 season, including co-second-leading scorers George Davis IV and Guy Abend. The club will soon start announcing new roster additions.
