Goalkeeper Micah Bledsoe, who set program marks for wins, save percentage and shutouts at Division I Lipscomb University, has signed with Louisville City FC following a recent trial with the club.
Bledsoe’s contract is pending league and federation approval. The 22-year-old will serve as the third goalkeeper on a roster that also includes Greg Ranjitsingh and Tim Dobrowolski.
“We feel critical aspects for the role are character, commitment and desire to improve. Micah’s shown all that,” said LouCity coach James O’Connor. “He’s come in with a great work ethic, which is really encouraging. We’ve been impressed with how he did over the two weeks on trial and were delighted to offer him a contract.”
From 2013-2016, Bledsoe racked up 26 wins in 51 starts for Lipscomb, where his save percentage was .735. He numbered 15 clean sheets while named to the Atlantic Sun’s All-Freshman Team in 2013, then went on to five times earn Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Bledsoe will train with goalkeepers coach Thabane Sutu, who developed Ranjitsingh from a rookie to national team selection last fall by Trinidad and Tobago. LouCity has allowed just 61 goals in 59 regular-season United Soccer League games since starting play in 2015.
“Really I’m just looking to improve the squad overall — to push Greg and Tim and help the goalkeeping crew,” Bledsoe said. “Here, the level’s higher. Every player is that much quicker and technical. The shots come in faster. There are high expectations every day.”
The 6-foot-4 rookie was born in Indianapolis and attended high school in Cincinnati. Bledsoe is the fourth former player from Nashville-based Lipscomb to sign a professional contract — and second member of his family to do so.
His older sister, Aubrey, was a standout at Wake Forest and now plays for the NWSL’s Orlando Pride. Her twin, Amber, played for Brown University. All three of the Bledsoes are goalkeepers.
