Louisville City FC and defender Josh Wynder have agreed to terms of a new multi-year contract keeping the budding pro in purple for the foreseeable future.
The deal, which is pending league and federation approval, will extend Wynder’s stay less than a year after he completed the club’s path to pro, graduating from an academy contract to full first teamer last June.
The 16-year-old made his USL Championship debut July 14 in a win over OKC Energy FC and went on to number 11 appearances during his rookie campaign.
“We are excited to be able to sign Josh to a long-term contract here at Louisville City,” said head coach Danny Cruz. “His growth last year both as a player and person was a joy to watch every day. To be able to re-sign one of our own academy players to a new deal is a testament to the vision here for our young athletes.
“What Mario Sanchez and the academy staff did with Josh to help him get to this point is vital to the process that we have here. We are looking forward to watching Josh continue to grow and believe that with his mentality he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
A center back, Wynder originally signed a USL Academy contract with LouCity in February of 2021, giving him the option to train and play with the pros while retaining his amateur status. Within weeks, Wynder was appearing in preseason friendlies against Major League Soccer clubs and pushing for selection in USL Championship games.
The Oldham County native eventually made six starts and passed at an 83.1% clip for the year.
“I’m so excited to continue my career with Louisville City,” Wynder said of his new contract. “I enjoyed learning and growing as a player and person last season, and I can’t wait to get back on the field to compete for my hometown club.”
Wynder followed in the footsteps of his older brother, midfielder Elijah Wynder, in becoming LouCity’s second academy player to turn pro for the club. Since then, young midfielder Carlos Moguel Jr. and defender Owen Damm have also moved from USL Academy contracts to pros.
The boys in purple will open preseason training Wednesday in preparation for their 2022 campaign. The first of 34 games kicks off March 12 at Lynn Family Stadium as Atlanta United 2 visits.
Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Jorge Gonzalez, Cameron Lancaster, Enoch “Matiti” Mushagalusa, Brian Ownby
Midfielders: Corben Bone, Tyler Gibson, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Paolo DelPiccolo, Elijah Wynder
Defenders: Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder
Goalkeepers: Kyle Morton, Parker Siegfried