Louisville City FC has welcomed another player with championship experience to its roster with the signing of defender Jan-Erik Leinhos, the club announced Tuesday.
Leinhos, whose deal is pending league and federation approval, was a four-year starter at Marshall University, where he helped the Thundering Herd to a victory in the 2020 College Cup, NCAA Division I soccer’s national title.
The outside back trialed with LouCity during its preseason, seeing regular minutes as he earned a contract.
“We are very happy to announce Jan-Erik’s signing,” said LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “He is a player that has worked extremely hard to earn this contract throughout our preseason.
“Jan-Erik is a strong one-on-one defender who is calm on the ball and brings the right mentality to work every single day. He’s a player that can play outside back on either side as well as wingback, and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow here at Louisville City.”
From Felsberg, Germany, the 24-year-old Leinhos started 72 of his 74 collegiate games, numbering 9 goals and just as many assists. He tallied more than 1,500 minutes in his final three seasons as Marshall reached the NCAA tournament each of those years, marking the program’s first appearances.
Before moving to the U.S., Leinhos came up through German fourth division side KSV Hessen Kassel. Leinhos started with the club’s U-17 squad in 2013 and eventually earned his way into the first team.
“I’m very honored to be a part of Louisville City FC and couldn’t think of a better place to continue my career,” Leinhos said. “I felt welcomed from the first minute on, and I’m ready to work hard and contribute as much as I can toward winning.”
Leinhos is the second player to sign with City this year out of a successful trial, joining goalkeeper Danny Faundez, who earned his invitation to preseason camp out of the club’s open tryouts. He adds depth at a vital position for the boys in purple, who will be looking to replace reigning USL Championship Young Player of the Year Jonathan Gomez, an outside back that transferred to La Liga’s Real Sociedad over the offseason.
Leinhos and LouCity close their preseason Saturday with an away game against MLS Next Pro’s St. Louis City. Then it’s on to the March 12 USL Championship opener against Atlanta United 2 at Lynn Family Stadium.
