Veteran Louisville City FC midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo has re-signed for the 2024 season, it was announced Friday, extending the tenure of one of the club’s most decorated players.
DelPiccolo’s contract, which will keep him in purple for a ninth straight season, is pending league and federation approval.
“This is a player that embodies the culture set here at this club both on and off the field,” said coach Danny Cruz. “Paolo has played a big role in the development of some of our young players and them understanding of what it means to play for Louisville City. I am happy to be able to keep him here for another season and know how important he will be for our group with his leadership in the locker room.”
The 32-year-old DelPiccolo will continue a storied LouCity career that has so far seen him captain LouCity to back-to-back USL Championship titles in 2017 and 2018 to go with Eastern Conference crowns in 2019 and 2022.
The Wheat Ridge, Colorado, native as a result ranks first in club history for games played (230), second in minutes played (15,397) and fourth in assists (18).
DelPiccolo’s roots in Louisville go deeper than his time in purple. He starred in college at the University of Louisville, which included the school’s first run to the NCAA College Cup in 2010. His wife, Katie, is a fellow Cardinal alum continuing to emerge as a star ESPN reporter.
“Watching the club develop throughout my nine years here, it’s really incredible to see how far we’ve come,” DelPiccolo said. “I want to continue to help sustain the culture here. It’s something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in the last eight years as captain and something I want to continue to do.
“And then of course I want to keep my performance on the field — not just on game days but on the training field — as high as possible. I still think I can contribute those two things, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
DelPiccolo’s signing bumps LouCity’s returning core of players to 17 from last year’s side that made a run to the Eastern Conference Final. The boys in purple have also so far added three newcomers to the roster: defender Arturo Ordóñez and forward Tola Showunmi, both former Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC standouts, as well as former San Diego Loyal SC forward Adrien Perez.
More contract news will follow after the new year heading into LouCity’s 10th anniversary season kicking off in March.
Current 2024 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Wilson Harris, Brian Ownby, Adrien Perez, Ray Serrano, Tola Showunmi
Midfielders: Paolo DelPiccolo, 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