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Niall McCabe, a member of Louisville City FC’s roster since its inaugural season, will continue a decorated professional career in purple having agreed to a new contract, the club announced Tuesday.

Pending league and federation approval, the deal returns a versatile midfielder who leads LouCity all time with 143 USL Championship appearances, during which he has tallied 18 goals and 23 assists.

“Niall is so important to our club, and being able to re-sign him to another contract is fantastic,” said John Hackworth, LouCity’s head coach and sporting director. “While his contributions on the field since day one are amazing, it is Niall’s strength of character that sets him apart.”

McCabe’s impact at LouCity counts as both immediate and withstanding. He played in all 28 games of the club’s inaugural season, tallying four goals and two assists. The boys in purple advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, a feat they’ve replicated every year since while winning USL titles in 2017 and 2018.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, McCabe became the first LouCity player to reach 100 appearances for the club in 2019. Off the pitch, the 30-year-old has made Louisville an adopted home, marrying his wife, Ashleigh, that same year. The two are raising a pair of children, son Luca and daughter Charlotte.

“I’m obviously really happy to be back again next year,” McCabe said. “It’s a privilege to be able to play here at this club and something that should never be taken for granted. This team has so much to offer. I think with this squad and the players we have we will accomplish great things in the future.”

McCabe appeared in five games during 2020’s abbreviated season before shutting down to rehab a surgically repaired foot. At the time, he was a crucial part of LouCity’s attack, completing 70% of his passes in the opponent’s half of the pitch.

Able to return quickly from a 2016 operation to repair hip cartilage, the resilient McCabe likewise found himself back available quickly last season as a substitute during LouCity’s recent playoff run.

“It was a crazy year for everyone but especially for me,” McCabe said. “it left me hugely motivated with a chip on my shoulder coming into next season.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing a healthy Niall in 2021 as we push toward another USL Championship,” added Danny Cruz, LouCity’s assistant coach and technical director. “His character and winning mentality are so important to what we do on a daily basis.”

Before joining the boys in purple, McCabe attended NCAA Division II’s Young Harris College and competed with National Premier Soccer League side Chattanooga FC, which he led to an NPSL final appearance in 2014.

McCabe has remained with LouCity throughout the balance of his professional career — the only player to feature on the roster in every season. His signing marks the latest big name in a lengthening list of returners for 2021. More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks as negotiations continue.

CURRENT LOUISVILLE CITY FC 2021 ROSTER

Goalkeeper – Chris Hubbard

Defender – Wes Charpie, Jonathan Gomez, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch

Midfielder – Corben Bone, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe

Forward – Antoine Hoppenot, Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby, Abdou Thiam

Only once during Louisville City FC’s 2020 season was the schedule tweaked as a result of COVID-19, and that happened when an opposing side’s positive tests postponed a game.

The boys in purple, meanwhile, produced only negatives during a run from mid-June through October, a feat detailed this week by WDRB’s Eric Crawford.

Having interviewed a number of club personnel, Crawford wrote that discipline, sacrifice and character were common themes in LouCity’s off-the-pitch behaviors that led to these numbers: an average of 36 people tested weekly, totaling more than 6,000 results with no positives for COVID-19.

“I’ve said this many times over and to colleagues worldwide, this group of men is one of the best I’ve ever been around because of that,” LouCity coach John Hackworth told Crawford. “We didn’t have to harp on it. We didn’t have to go into crazy details about the whys. It was, this is what we have to do, let’s do it.

“I use the word trust. You trust it. We all trusted it. All of us had lives affected and changed, but we put it on each other to do what was right in this crazy pandemic to try and get through it.”

While playing in market in front of 4,850 fans per game, LouCity didn’t have a full bubble to stay within such as used for returns to play by the NBA and MLS. But players on the “covered persons” list — players, coaches and those who came into contact with them — each maintained a certain lifestyle to minimize risk of contracting COVID-19.

“When our players got home, they didn’t do anything outside of the bubble, so to speak,” LouCity president Brad Estes told WDRB. “And to do that without the infrastructure of a true bubble just shows the willpower and seriousness that these athletes have, and we’re extremely proud of that.”

Read Crawford’s full piece — and the measures taken by LouCity players to ensure a safe season — via WDRB.com.

There was plenty to discuss Saturday on the  Soccer City radio show, powered by Kentuckiana Toyota Dealers, on the heels of Louisville City FC’s new logo unveil and the re-signing of top striker Cameron Lancaster.

Plus, host Lance McGarvey was joined by a pair of guests. First, Jonathan Lintner, senior director of public relations and communications with the club, offered an update on players who have yet to be announced as returners. Later in the program, Benton Newman, founder of VamosMorados.com, called in with his thoughts on the latest LouCity news.

Catch Soccer City live from 9-10 a.m. each Saturday on AM 790 WKRD, plus follow via iHeart Radio and subscribe for new editions through Apple Podcasts. Saturday’s edition can be heard below:

Cameron Lancaster, Louisville City FC’s leading scorer last season while in town on loan, has agreed to a new multiyear contract with the club that will keep the prolific striker in purple, it was announced Thursday.

The deal, which is pending league and federation approval, returns to LouCity a forward who in 2020 surpassed 50 career USL Championship goals, claimed a First Team All-League spot and earned Most Valuable Player consideration as one of three finalists for the award.

“Securing Cam to a long-term contract is a huge step for our club,” said LouCity coach and sporting director John Hackworth. “Furthermore, it is an important moment for the USL when a player of his quality chooses to stay in the league at the prime of his career.

“Cam is one of the best goal scorers that I have ever coached. He also understands the expectations of every player who represents this club. We look forward to his contributions to Louisville City FC’s success for years to come.”

Lancaster netted 12 goals last season in a variety of ways, sinking everything from a free kick at distance to a crafty back-heeled tap. His seven goals poured in over just as many games down the stretch of the season also sparked LouCity’s run to the Eastern Conference Final.

A member of club’s original roster in 2015, the Englishman earned a Major League Soccer contract with Nashville SC after a 2018 campaign in which he scored a USL-record 26 goals and won the league’s Golden Boot. Nashville sent Lancaster back to Louisville on a season-long loan this year, when he hit the half-century mark in scoring.

“I’m delighted to sign for Louisville City FC,” Lancaster said. “I love this club, the fans and the direction the ownership is taking it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to repay the trust and belief shown in me in the coming years. The hard work begins now. Since 2015, I’ve seen this club grow in so many ways. The sky is the limit, and I can’t wait to contribute to that. 

“I’m really looking forward to next season and playing in the best stadium and in front of the best fans in the league. See you then.”

Lancaster’s rush to 50 goals positioned him as arguably the USL’s most efficient scorer ever. He did it having hit the back of the net once every 114.8 minutes played. Next closest among those with 50 goals is Dane Kelly at 153.3 minutes per goal.

Such success was gradual in Louisville — Lancaster rehabbed from an injury during the club’s debut season — but certainly not surprising. He came up through the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, earning a professional contract and, eventually, an English Premier League appearance during the 2012 season.

Since then, Lancaster has assembled an unparalleled USL resume that also includes the game-winning goal in the 2017 league final that won LouCity its first championship.

“In bringing Cam back, we get a proven goal scorer who has the ability to change the game at any moment,” said LouCity assistant coach and technical director Danny Cruz. “He continued to show this year that he belongs in a Louisville City FC jersey, and we are happy that he has chosen to stay. It is a testament to this club, the players, the staff and our ownership group that we are able to secure this type of talent for years to come.”

Lancaster’s name adds to a strong prospective roster for the 2021 season as the club reloads following a sixth straight trip to the Eastern Conference Final. Negotiations are continuing with players out of contract, and more returners are expected to be named in the coming weeks.

CURRENT LOUISVILLE CITY FC 2021 ROSTER

Goalkeeper – Chris Hubbard

Defender – Wes Charpie, Jonathan Gomez, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch

Midfielder – Corben Bone, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso

Forward – Antoine Hoppenot, Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby, Abdou Thiam

Months after opening Lynn Family Stadium, and with its multimillion-dollar training facility under construction, Louisville City FC ushered in the franchise’s next chapter Tuesday when revealing its new crest.

The renowned Matthew Wolff Design firm, the team behind branding for organizations such as Los Angeles FC and New York City FC, commissioned a shield-shaped logo filled primarily by LouCity Purple and a trio of fleur de lis marks.

“We love everything about the LouCity story going back to Day 1,” said club president Brad Estes. “This rebrand isn’t about changing our identity. It’s about the growth and evolution of our organization.”

LouCity, which never failed to reach the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference Final in each of its first six seasons, has won two league titles, hence the pair of stars remaining above the new crest.

The club is also now part of a larger Soccer Holdings, LLC, family that includes the National Women’s Soccer League’s Racing Louisville FC beginning play in 2021. Both teams will share Lynn Family Stadium as a home venue as well as the training facility opening next spring about two miles east at the aptly named Champions Park.

Matthew Wolff designed Racing’s lavender and violet look, too. It likewise includes the fleur de lis, a stylized lily flower synonymous with Louisville. The LouCity and Racing brands will set beside one another in a number of settings, making it crucial that they act in accord.

“We will always pay homage to our original crest used for LouCity’s first six seasons,” said Mitch Ried, vice president of sales and marketing. “We also felt as our organization has grown from not only a USL club but also into a beautiful new stadium, youth academy and an NWSL franchise that we needed to accordingly update our brand.

“The goal for us was to create something simple, bold and timeless that works in harmony with Racing Louisville FC.”

New-look LouCity merchandise is available at shop.https://www.www.loucity.com and at the Team Store open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams Street, Season tickets are also on sale for the 2021 season at www.loucity.com/tickets.

LouCity’s technical staff and players were shown the new branding before its release, with head coach John Hackworth saying it went over quite well in the locker room.

“When the new logo was presented to our team, I think it’s fair to say that we were all impressed with it,” Hackworth said. “The amount of thought and detail that went into it was extraordinary. We are excited to wear it and represent our club with a tremendous amount of pride.”

Attention turned to Racing Louisville FC on Saturday’s  Soccer City radio show, powered by Kentuckiana Toyota Dealers.

The club acquired rights to 14 players in this week’s NWSL Expansion Draft, including national team stars Tobin Heath and Christen Press. So what’s all that mean?

Lance McGarvey analyzed the results from the Lynn Family Stadium radio booth, plus spoke to The Athletic‘s Meg Linehan, an expert on all things women’s soccer.

McGarvey also provided some insight on LouCity’s returning players for 2021 and murmurs of a new logo coming for the club.

Catch Soccer City live from 9-10 a.m. each Saturday on AM 790 WKRD, plus follow via iHeart Radio and subscribe for new editions through Apple Podcasts. Saturday’s edition can be heard below:

The USL Championship’s 10th anniversary season proved to be unlike any that came before it. But despite its challenges the league still reached new heights including record-breaking broadcast, digital and earned media audiences.

The Championship became the first professional league in the United States to return to play in home markets in July, and with it brought a major rise in viewership. In total, the league saw a 500% increase in viewership for games on ESPN+ throughout the year, while five of the league’s top-10 most viewed matches of all time also occurred in 2020.

The Championship also received higher levels of attention from national and local media in 2020 with a 58% rise in total coverage. The league has now increased its earned media coverage by nearly 200% since the 2018 season, while its social media following increased by 39% in the past year, including a 24% gain in following on Instagram.

The increased visibility for the league has resulted in exciting new national partnerships. Through the Championship’s national sponsorship platform led by Premier Partnerships, the league added new national sponsorship agreements with Cleer Audio and Synchronicity.

The league was also proud to welcome the creation of the USL Black Players Alliance, a group of black players from across the globe who have come together to use their platform as professional athletes to fight against societal injustice. In collaboration with the USLBPA, the Championship launched the “United Against Racism” campaign, engaged in partnerships that have helped elevate voter registration and awareness, and implemented league-wide diversity and sensitivity training. The Championship and the USLBPA also partnered with Black Arrow FC in a media partnership to better highlight the intersection of soccer and black culture.

The Championship’s success in 2020 is set to carry through as the league begins its second decade in 2021. New expansion arrivals are set for the next two years with Oakland Roots SC bringing its unique purpose-driven model to the league in 2021 and Queensboro FC in 2022.

Star-power is also visible in USL League One’s newest club, with former U.S. Men’s National Team member DaMarcus Beasley part of the ownership group with Fort Wayne FC, set to join the league in 2023. Several more expansion announcements are also expected before the 2021 season.

“2020 brought with it unprecedented challenges for our sport and our society,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “But through it all I’m very proud of our staff, our clubs, the players, and USL supporters across the country who came together to find solutions in a difficult time.

“I believe we’ll reflect back on this season in future years and see that – while undoubtedly difficult – we made great strides, grew closer, and ultimately became stronger for our shared experience. The future of the United Soccer League remains extremely bright.”

Sean Totsch, an anchor along Louisville City FC’s defensive line who boasts three USL Championship titles during his professional career, has continued planting roots in his adopted town with a new deal announced Tuesday.

The contract, which is pending league and federation approval, keeps with LouCity a center back who led the club in key defensive categories in 2020 en route to earning a spot on the All-League First Team.

“We’re super excited to re-sign Sean,” said LouCity coach and sporting director John Hackworth. “He’s coming off his best season as a pro, he has matured on and off the field, and we are looking forward to his leadership on the back line for many years.”

Totsch made 2020 his best individual campaign yet, totaling 55 clearances — 16 more than anyone else on the roster — while leading LouCity in tackles/tackles won (41/29) and interceptions (31). As a result, the boys in purple conceded an average of just 0.65 goals per game in Totsch’s 14 regular-season appearances.

Totsch also had a highlight year off the pitch. Now a homeowner in Louisville, he proposed to his girlfriend, Aysia, before LouCity’s Oct. 3 season finale at Lynn Family Stadium.

“I’m very happy to sign a new contract in Louisville,” Totsch said. “This has truly become my home. I’ve met my fiancé here, bought a home and made countless friends. The people of Kentucky have be so gracious to me, and I’m so appreciative of them. We have a standard of winning in this city, and it is my goal to maintain and achieve these high standards.”

Alluding to both his kit style and personal mantra, Totsch added: “Glad to keep Louisville #tuckedinlockedin.”

Totsch made 2020 his fourth season in Louisville. The 29-year-old Northern Illinois University product first played professionally for the Rochester Rhinos, winning a USL title in 2015 before hoisting two more cups with LouCity in 2017 and 2018.

His resume is unmatched across the league with Totsch having appeared in 163 USL games, winning 94 of those — most of any player the last six seasons. In 20 playoff games, Totsch’s teams have gone 16-2-2 and conceded only 11 goals.

“When you look at the type of person we want representing Louisville City FC both on and off the field, Sean exemplifies that,” said Danny Cruz, LouCity’s assistant coach and technical director. “He understands the responsibility and expectation that we have at this club to compete for a championship every year. He is a proven winner that knows the work that it takes to lift a trophy at the end of the season. For us, that is invaluable.”

Totsch is the latest name added to LouCity’s 2021 roster as the club reloads following a sixth straight trip to the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference Final. Negotiations are continuing with players out of contract with more returners expected to be named in the coming weeks.

CURRENT LOUISVILLE CITY FC 2021 ROSTER

Goalkeeper – Chris Hubbard

Defender – Wesley Charpie, Jonathan Gomez, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch

Midfielder – Corben Bone, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso

Forward – Antoine Hoppenot, Brian Ownby, Abdou Thiam

Louisville City FC’s offseason got off to a familiar start this week as a large contingent of returning players was announced as set to return for the 2021 USL Championship season.

For LouCity Head Coach and Sporting Director John Hackworth, though, it’s the start of a process that is going to see the club again look to retool for further success around the established core that has helped Louisville become one of the top clubs in the league.

“We feel great about some of our upcoming choices, but they’re going to be really tough, and that’s the hardest part,” Hackworth said by phone on Thursday. “We have a really great core. We’re trying to introduce some young players and we’re trying to replace some guys like Luke [Spencer]. We need to make sure we get a replacement for him.

“We’re not done yet. We still have a couple of key guys that we’re working on that are on the team, and it never seems to stop.”

Among those that are currently set to be back include midfielders Paolo DelPiccolo and Corben Bone, while longtime stalwarts Brian Ownby and Oscar Jimenez are also set to return among more recent additions in Alexis Souahy, Napo Matsoso and Antoine Hoppenot.

Also under contract is 17-year-old defender Jonathan Gomez, who had an impressive first year at the club in which he made 10 appearances and four starts after making the move to Louisville from League One’s North Texas SC. Since Gomez signed with the club last March, Hackworth was pleased with the way the outside back – and some of the club’s other youngsters like Akil Watts – fit into the group this year.

“We’ve had to take a core returning group and introduce young players, but they have to measure up,” said Hackworth. That’s the really cool part about our culture is that you don’t walk into our locker room or you don’t walk onto our training field, you don’t live in the apartments and are in by a certain time on game nights without every guy on the team setting a standard of how to do things.

“For Jonathan as a 17-year-old now, being in that group, he has to earn his way, and that’s the great thing is that now we have some young guys [in that category]. Elijah Wynder is the same way. He’s been fantastic as an academy player for us.”

Louisville is working on ensuring other members of the side that reached the Eastern Conference Final for a sixth consecutive year will remain in the LouCity fold next year, but the club is also looking to leave no stone unturned when it comes to filling the gaps as players move on. Among the most notable is that of Spencer, who will join the club’s Academy as a coach after spending the past four seasons on the field.

“It’s a lot of work in the offseason because you have to vet every opportunity for the club, and then you have to make some really good choices,” said Hackworth. “I give [LouCity Technical Director] Danny Cruz and [Goalkeepers Coach] Scott Budnick a ton of credit. You’re on the phone constantly. You’re watching videos on WyScout and whatever analysis you can.”

With the reputation that LouCity has built for itself – which now includes home venue Lynn Family Stadium and the club’s new training facility in addition to its on-field success – the club certainly will prove a very attractive proposition for free agents that are going to be on the market this winter.

“I think it comes down to that players recognize what our club is doing from top to bottom,” said Hackworth. “We have a really good group, players and staff and front office and ownership group. We all work really well together, I think we treat our players well, our standards are extremely high, but our culture is really strong and so I think for most of the players they enjoy the work that goes on.

“They live well, they’re taken care of to a high standard, and now you have a brand-new stadium and a brand-new training facility. It’s a pretty nice place to be.”

CURRENT LOUISVILLE CITY FC 2021 ROSTER

Goalkeeper – Chris Hubbard

Defender – Wesley Charpie, Jonathan Gomez, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy

Midfielder – Corben Bone, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso

Forward – Antoine Hoppenot, Brian Ownby, Abdou Thiam

Advance to the Eastern Conference Final, bring back the bulk of the roster and repeat: It’s a trend Louisville City FC will extend into the 2021 season.

The club is expected to return most core players from a 2020 campaign that saw the boys in purple rattle off 13 games unbeaten into the playoffs, leading to another appearance in the USL Championship’s national semifinal round.

“We’re looking to follow another solid season with a productive offseason, welcoming back a number of players who have been key to competing for and winning titles,” said LouCity head coach and sporting director John Hackworth. “Given our facilities, support from ownership and dedicated fan base, we consider Louisville the best place to play in the USL. That reflects in our ability to retain top talent year after year.”

As of Thursday, here’s where LouCity’s roster stands:

• The club went into the offseason already with midfielder/team captain Paolo DelPiccolo, forward Corben Bone and defender Jonathan Gomez under contract for 2021.

• LouCity has also picked up contract options to retain defenders Oscar Jimenez and Alexis Souahy, along with midfielder Napo Matsoso and goalkeeper Chris Hubbard.

• Before the season came to an end, winger Brian Ownby signed a new deal pending league and federation approval. In recent days, paperwork was also finished to keep in purple forwards Antoine Hoppenot and Abdou Thiam as well as defenders Pat McMahon and Wes Charpie.

Contract terms are being finalized with a number of other LouCity staples and will be announced once completed in the coming weeks.

“As we continue to push toward 2021, it was important to Hack and I that we were able to bring back a core group of players that understand both the culture and the expectations here at Louisville City FC,” said assistant coach and technical director Danny Cruz. “This group of players know what it takes to win a championship, and we are proud to have them back.

“We will continue to assess the roster as this offseason progresses and look forward to putting a team on the field next year that will compete for a title.”

Bone, DelPiccolo, Hoppenot, Jimenez, McMahon, Ownby and Souahy represent more than half the starting 11 that often featured down the stretch of LouCity’s recently concluded season, with that group in place as an eight-game winning streak grew into the playoffs.

LouCity’s success led to a club-record four All-League First Team selections. Forward Cameron Lancaster (Nashville SC) and goalkeeper Ben Lundt (FC Cincinnati) were in on loan from Major League Soccer Clubs. Meanwhile, defender Sean Totsch and midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams capped their fourth straight seasons with the club. The technical staff is in continued conversations to bring as many players from that group back as possible for 2021.

Season tickets are on sale for next year by visiting www.loucity.com/tickets, or email tickets@https://www.www.loucity.com to reach a representative from our team. Demand is expected to be significant after season ticket sales soared to record highs earlier this year ahead of Lynn Family Stadium’s inaugural campaign.