Louisville City FC has added an emerging attacking talent to its ranks with the signing of forward Tola Showunmi, the club announced Friday.
The 23-year-old Showunmi — pronounced show-un-me — joins LouCity after a rookie season with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in which he numbered 4 goals and 3 assists. His contract is pending league and federation approval.
“We have been on the market looking for a forward that fits the profile that we need at the 9 position,” said coach Danny Cruz. “Tola is a player that checked every box when we went through our process. He is a young, dynamic forward who in our opinion has all of the tools he needs to score a lot of goals for our team. We are getting a forward that has good movement in the box, a good ability to hold the ball up to link with his teammates and, most important, the mentality that we are looking for on both sides of the ball.
“We are looking forward to having Tola here in Louisville and believe he will be a great addition to our group.”
Showunmi earned his first professional deal from Pittsburgh after emerging from a preseason combine and trial. He went on to number 28 appearances for a Riverhounds side that earned the Players’ Shield for posting the USL Championship’s best regular season finish.
The London, England, native made his move overseas to star first at Merrimack College in Massachusetts before transferring. At the University of New Hampshire, he was named the United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team and named the America East Conference’s Striker of the Year in 2021.
Atlanta United selected Showunmi in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, but he wound up returning to school for a final collegiate season.
“I’m here at Louisville to make the next step developing in my career with one of the premier teams in the league,” Showunmi said. “It’s hard to say no when it’s got the best facilities, best project and is one of the top teams. I’ve always heard great things about the stadium and setup. I’m excited to get on the grass there.”
Showunmi joins a core of 16 returning LouCity players and counting. The club also previously announced Showunmi’s former Pittsburgh teammate, Arturo Ordóñez, as a newcomer off a USL Championship Defender of the Year campaign. More contract news will be announced soon in the run up to City’s 10th anniversary season.
Current 2024 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Wilson Harris, Brian Ownby, Ray Serrano, Tola Showunmi
Midfielders: Jorge Gonzalez, Dylan Mares, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Elijah Wynder
Defenders: Kyle Adams, Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Arturo Ordóñez, Sebastian Sanchez, Sean Totsch
Goalkeepers: Danny Faundez, Oliver Semmle