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Louisville City FC Adds Goalkeeper Ben Lundt on Season-Long Loan Deal
Akron graduate loaned from FC Cincinnati for depth in goalkeeper position

LOUISVILLE (February 7, 2019) –Louisville City FC can today confirm the loan signing of goalkeeper Ben Lundt from FC Cincinnati for the 2019 USL Season. The netminder comes in as the 23rd man on coach John Hackworth’s roster with the team’s preseason preparations already underway in Florida.

“In evaluating the pool of players coming out of college, we thought that Ben was one of, if not the best Goalkeeper coming out,” said Hackworth.

“With this acquisition we know that we have strengthened our depth at the goalkeeper position. We look forward to Ben’s contribution to our teams’ success.”

Selected with the No. 37 pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Lundt arrived in Cincinnati after three seasons at the University of Akron, where he featured over 60 times while collecting 27 clean sheets. In his final season with the Zips, he made 20 appearances while keeping 12 clean sheets. While also adding an appearance in the College Cup to his resume, Lundt won three-consecutive Mid-American Conference championships in as many years.

Joining LouCity for the year, the former Hertha BSC youth product told LouisvilleCityFC.com:
“I’ve been in preseason with Cincinnati for two weeks and I’m in good shape.” 

“Now that I’ve joined Louisville, I’m extremely happy. Louisville is a great club with a lot of success in the past and I want to be part of another successful season.”

The shotstopper will wear No.18 for LouCity and will continue with the team at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Next up for the “Boys in Purple” is a clash with USL-foe Nashville SC on Saturday.

PLAYER INFORMATION
Name:                         Ben Lundt
Position:                     Goalkeeper
Hometown:                Berlin, Germany
Born:                           9/24/1995
Height:                        6’6
Weight:                       220 lbs

Louisville City FC Permanent Roster as of Thursday, February 7:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Tim Dobrowolski, Chris Hubbard, Ben Lundt

DEFENDERS (7): Paco Craig, Shaun Francis, Alexis Souahy, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Taylor Peay, Sean Totsch

MIDFIELDERS (7): Richard Ballard, Jose Carranza, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Magnus Rasmussen, Devon “Speedy” Williams

FORWARDS (6): George Davis IV, Sunny Jane, Lucky Mkosana, Brian Ownby, Luke Spencer, Abdou Mbacke Thiam

Louisville City FC and WDRB Expand Partnership for 2019 Season
City’s 34-game regular season slate to be shown exclusively on WBKI-CW

LOUISVILLE (February 4, 2019) – Louisville City FC and WDRB are excited to announce an expanded partnership for the 2019 season that will see all USL Regular Season matches shown on WBKI-CW, part of the WDRB Louisville family of networks.

With the announcement, the Club enters into an agreement with Louisville’s FOX and CW network affiliates for a fifth straight season.

Aaron Matas, Sports Director of WDRB, shared his excitement about continuing the partnership:
“We are thrilled to team up with Louisville City once again. Soccer has become a major part of Louisville’s sports scene and we’re excited to have the two-time defending USL champions on our air in 2019.”

Brad Estes, President of Louisville City FC, emphasizes the ease of access this will give fans in Louisville to its back-to-back championship squad:
“First, we’re glad to be back with a great partner in WDRB. With all 34 games planned on the CW, this will give fans unprecedented access to our matches and that is vital to us. We’re excited to improve our visibility across Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

LouCity’s 34-game slate begins on Saturday, March 9 with a trip to North Carolina FC, which will be one of all 34 games shown on WBKI-CW. Los Moradoswill open the home portion of their 17 games in Louisville on Saturday, March 23, also to be shown on WBKI-CW.

More details will follow on the USL broadcast package for the 2019 season. For the latest updates, visit www.loucity.com/19schedule.

Fans interested in catching LouCity’s home debut and the whole of the full 17 games at Slugger Field can purchase 2019 Season Ticket Member packages by calling (502) LOU-CITY or online at louisvillecityfc.com/seasontickets.  

– LouisvilleCityFC.com | Follow Louisville City FC on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram–

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About Louisville City FC
Since its launch in 2014, Louisville City FC has been committed to serving the community of Louisville and state of Kentucky as the lone professional soccer team.  The 2017 season marked the third year of play for LouCity in the United Soccer League (USL), a professional soccer league based in the United States and Canada. On October 26, the Louisville Metro Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new soccer-specific stadium in the Butchertown neighborhood with a projected opening slated for March 2020.

Finishing in the top five in average attendance in the USL at Slugger Field since 2015, LouCity’s remarkable 2017 campaign included winning the USL Cup in the club’s first appearance in the final. Get the latest news on LouCity FC at LouisvilleCityFC.com and via the club’s  channels on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.­­­

Completing another impactful deal over the weekend, Louisville City FC is pleased to today announce the signing of midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams to a new contract.

The 26-year-old officially agreed to terms to return to the reigning USL Cup champions and has re-joined the squad ahead of the Club’s 2019 preseason camp.

After inking the deal, Williams told LouisvilleCityFC.com:
“I’m really excited to be back with a special group of guys. We are all looking forward to competing at the highest level again and succeeding together.”

The Kingston, Jamaica native has won three consecutive USL Cup championships—two with LouCity (2017, 2018) and one with New York Red Bulls II (2016).

Coach John Hackworth sees Williams’ signing as one of the final pieces to his competitive roster:
“Speedy is a key returning player for us. His consistency last year and performances throughout the season and into the playoffs was an important part of our success. We’re thrilled to have him back and are again ready to work with him as we elevate our quality and expectations for the season.” 

As preparations continue, Season Ticket Membership packages for the 2019 USL season are still available for purchase. Through purchasing 2019 season ticket packages, you get priority access to season tickets in LouCity’s Butchertown stadium development, which is set to be completed in 2020. Visit www.loucity.com/seasontickets or call (502) LOU-CITY to secure your seats for the team’s final season at Slugger Field.

PLAYER INFORMATION
Name:                         Devon “Speedy” Williams
Position:                     Midfielder
Hometown:                Kingston, Jamaica
Born:                           4/8/1992
Height:                        5’8
Weight:                       145 lbs
Prev. Club:                 New York Red Bulls II (USL)

Louisville City FC Permanent Roster as of Monday, January 28:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Tim Dobrowolski, Chris Hubbard

DEFENDERS (7): Paco Craig, Shaun Francis, Alexis Souahy, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Taylor Peay, Sean Totsch

MIDFIELDERS (7): Richard Ballard, Jose Carranza, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Magnus Rasmussen, Devon “Speedy” Williams

FORWARDS (6): George Davis IV, Sunny Jane, Lucky Mkosana, Brian Ownby, Luke Spencer, Abdou Mbacke Thiam

– LouisvilleCityFC.com | Follow Louisville City FC on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram–

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LouCity FC partners with the Louisville Parks Foundation to build Soccer Fields in our public parks​

In 2018, the Louisville Parks Foundation (LPF) and LouCity FC committed to raising funds to install a total of five artificial turf soccer fields in three South Louisville parks. These will mark the first set of turf fields in our public parks system! 

Since June, we completed a 5-a-side field at Beechmont Community Center and a larger (125’ x 225’) field in William Harrison Park, but we’re not stopping there! With your help, Wyandotte Park will receive three (3) 5-a-side soccer fields that will be open to the public.

When we started this project there were no soccer fields in our public parks in South Louisville. These state-of-the-art fields will not only serve the South Louisville community but draw residents from across the city to enjoy the international game of soccer. The heavy use of the field at Beechmont has proven the need for the additional fields, and that turf is the appropriate surface due to its durability and ease of maintenance.

If you would like to help us grow the game of soccer, please donate today!
-> www.lpfky.org/donatewyandotte

While we wait for the 2019 USL season to begin on March 9, take a look at eight potentially key home dates in City’s pursuit for a third consecutive USL Cup!

1) March 23 vs. Hartford Athletic
The Hartford Athletic come to town for the first-ever meeting between the two sides when City opens its 2019 home slate on Saturday, March 23, and expectations will be high in both camps.

The back-to-back USL champions are returning a significant part of last year’s title-winning roster, while a fresh-faced Hartford squad will look to stun the title-winners in their first trip to Louisville. How will City’s first return to Slugger Field since the Eastern Conference Finals play out? 

2) March 30 vs. Birmingham Legion FC
City’s second home game against Birmingham Legion FC won’t be a write-off, either. Legion FC have made it clear since inception their intent to challenge for a trophy in November and are led up front by former City talisman Chandler Hoffman. With three games under their belt to this point, City will have to get up for a challenging Birmingham side in their fourth contest.

3) April 6 vs. Riverhounds SC
After meetings with Hartford and Birmingham, a home clash against Riverhounds SC is on tap. 

Pittsburgh was one of few teams to really give City problems in both of their meetings last year. In June, the Bob Lilley-led side gave City its first home defeat of the season in an 0-1 loss midweek at Slugger. In September, City could not hold on for all three points as a late goal from Pittsburgh stole a point from the visitors at Highmark.

Historically one of the tougher sides in the East, City’s first game in April will not be easy.

4) April 30 vs. Memphis 901 FC
The team’s first midweek game sees them host Memphis 901 FC for the first time in Louisville. Despite an early meeting in preseason, this is the first time three points are at stake. Like Birmingham, Memphis has also been clear about their aspirations to challenge in the East.

April is too early to begin picking out title challengers, sure. But Memphis will look for an early advantage in the series with the two not meeting again until season’s end.

5) May 18 vs. Saint Louis FC
Familiar foes and friendly ones at that, Saint Louis FC’s return to the Eastern Conference has made waves. Now with a few former Cit players rostered for the 2019 season, STLFC’s return to Louisville will be a celebrated one by both sets of fans. May is about the time teams begin picking up momentum, meaning this Kings Cup clash could tip the scales before big summer for both sides.
 

6) July 6 vs. Nashville SC
LouCity and Nashville SC squared off a four times last season. Let that sink in.

The champions defeated NSC, 2-0, to open the year last March before falling to the Music City squad on Mother’s Day in Nashville. Then, City’s victory over Nashville in the U.S. Open Cup in June tipped the scales back in their favor. In the final meeting of the year, the two produced a scoreless draw in coach John Hackworth’s first match in charge.

Now, Nashville are back and are again looking formidable ahead of their final season in the USL. Returning a large part of their roster and signing former Golden Boot winner Cameron Lancaster, Nashville is poised to make a run at the USL Cup. Outside of a preseason match at IMG Academy, this will be the first time the two see each other this year.
 

7) August 30 vs. Indy Eleven
For the first time since City’s Quarterfinal bashing of Indy Eleven in October, LIPAFC will return to Slugger Field.

City and Indy also met four times last year in total with the USL champions falling in May in Indy before earning a point at home in August in the first two games. Then, City won back-to-back games in the season finale and USL Playoffs in Louisville to gain the series advantage.

A rivalry elevated by proximity, offseason moves for both sides will be sure to add to the intensity come August.
 

8) September 28 vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
One of the more intriguing developing stories of the year will be the strength of usual Eastern Conference contenders, the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

City’s two matches against Tampa last year were both tight affairs but Los Morados came out the other side with six points in hand. A meeting in late March saw the hosts Louisville earn a 1-0 win thanks to a scything run and finish by Oscar Jimenez following a bit of brilliance in vision from the captain Paolo DelPiccolo. Then, in the team’s first match led by the triumvirate of George Davis IV, Paolo DelPiccolo, and Luke Spencer, City earned a fantastic 2-1 win in Tampa after a pinpoint free kick from Cameron Lancaster late on.

This is one match that could have major playoff implications with things wrapping up in mid-October.

LouCity Injects Strength to Forward Line with Signing of Abdou Mbacke Thiam

Unanimous AAC All-First Team Selection plucked after four impressive seasons at the University of Connecticut

LOUISVILLE (January 15, 2019) – Adding more quality to its attacking line today, Louisville City FCis excited to confirm the signing of forward Abdou Mbacke Thiam, a former captain and proven goalscorer out of the University of Connecticut. Thiam joins City as the 21st rostered member of the coach John Hackworth’s squad ahead of the 2019 USL season. The signing is pending both federation and international clearance.

Ending his UConn career tied fourth all-time in career goals (46), Thiam stressed to LouisvilleCityFC.com how excited he is to prove himself at the next level:
“It’s one of the best moments in my life because this team is one of the best teams in the USL and now they’re getting one of the best players in college soccer. I’m so excited to have this wonderful opportunity after a great career at UConn.”

Named a co-captain in his senior season, Thiam tallied 15 goals and 10 assists in 20 games played, the highest output of his collegiate career. In total, the Senegalese attacker scored 46 goals and added 18 assists to his name in 77 appearances over four years. One of the only players in UConn history to reach the double-digit goals mark each season, Thiam’s honors include a selection to the United Soccer All-East Region First Team and a unanimous selection to the AAC All-First Team. 

Noting Thiam’s success at UConn, Hackworth wasted no time in picking up the playmaker after confirming his availability:
“Abdou had an outstanding career at UConn under coach Ray Reid. He is a proven goalscorer and is versatile enough to play any of our attacking positions. [Assistant] Danny [Cruz] and I liked what we saw when evaluating him on video and our opinions were reinforced by his performance at the MLS Combine. More importantly, when we met with Abdou in Orlando, it was clear that his personality and character would fit our locker room culture.”

Signing his first professional contract, Thiam will wear No.14 for the champions with plans to join up with the squad at the end of January for the first week of the team’s preseason camp. The forward will then travel with the champions to IMG Academy for the next phase of preseason, including four games in ten days against the likes of Orlando City SC (MLS), Nashville SC (USL), the New England Revolution (MLS), and the University of South Florida (NCAA).

As preparations continue, Season Ticket Membership packages for the 2019 USL season are still available for purchase. Through purchasing 2019 season ticket packages, you get priority access to season tickets in LouCity’s Butchertown stadium development, which is set to be completed in 2020. Visit www.loucity.com/seasontickets or call (502) LOU-CITY to secure your seats for the team’s final season at Slugger Field.

PLAYER INFORMATION
Name:                         Abdou Mbacke Thiam
Pronunciation:          ab-DOO BOCK-ee jahm
Position:                     Forward
Hometown:                Dakar, Senegal
Born:                           2/3/1992
Height:                        6’0
Weight:                       162 lbs
Prev. Club:                  UConn (NCAA)

Louisville City FC Permanent Roster as of Tuesday, January 15:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Tim Dobrowolski, Chris Hubbard

DEFENDERS (7): Paco Craig, Shaun Francis, Alexis Souahy, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Taylor Peay, Sean Totsch

MIDFIELDERS (6): Richard Ballard, Jose Carranza, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Magnus Rasmussen

FORWARDS (6): George Davis IV, Sunny Jane, Lucky Mkosana, Brian Ownby, Luke Spencer, Abdou Mbacke Thiam

A fresh-faced Louisville City FC will be ready to return to action under the guidance of head coach John Hackworth and assistant Danny Cruz with the Club’s 2019 preseason schedule now locked in.

With 20 rostered players on board at the time of the announcement, LouCity will jet down to renowned training facility IMG Academy, where the team will begin its preseason camp for the fourth straight year.

Two days in, Hackworth’s assembly will travel to Orlando City Stadium to face Orlando City SC, led by former City coach James O’Connor, in the team’s first game since November’s cup triumph. This will be the first of two tests against Major League Soccer opposition in their preseason slate and will be closed to the public.

Back in Bradenton, City is looking at fixtures against Nashville SC (USL), the New England Revolution (MLS), and the University of South Florida, with three games in a seven-day span. Fans will be remember U.S. Open Cup clashes against the first two clubs fondly with City defeating the pair as part of their Quarterfinal run.

After leaving IMG Academy, Los Morados are looking at a few days’ rest before facing inaugural USL side Memphis 901 FC at a neutral site in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Finally, the defending back-to-back USL champions return to Kentucky to round out their preseason with a two-game stretch against some of the region’s best collegiate talent.

First up, City heads to Lexington to face the University of Kentucky, whose strong 2018 campaign saw them crowned C-USA champions before reaching the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA Tournament.

Then to finish the seven-game slate, City stays home as they go up against the newly-led University of Louisville at Lynn Stadium in Louisville. One of the collegiate game’s best venues, the team enjoyed a run in the U.S. Open Cup at Lynn before capturing their second USL Cup there on November 8.

On preseason, Hackworth emphasized that this run of games represents more to his team than just getting minutes in their legs:
“We’re proud of our preseason schedule so far and what we’ve been able to put together. Obviously, the quality of the competition is high and while it gives our guys a chance to get back on the field, it also provides them an opportunity to showcase themselves as we look to field our best team against North Carolina when the season starts on March 9.”

“It’s a really exciting period for both the staff and the players and we look forward to seeing what we are capable of in a few short weeks.”

With more planning in the works, City’s preseason slate may be extended pending any more additions to the schedule as a whole.

Times, locations, and closed-door/open status will be subject to change, with updated information to be found on the Club’s website and social media channels.

• Wed., February 6 – at Orlando City SC (TBD | Orlando City Stadium) – closed to the public
• Sat., February 9 – vs. Nashville SC (3 PM | IMG Academy) – open/closed TBD
• Thurs., February 14 – vs. New England Revolution (3 PM | IMG Academy) – open/closed TBD
• Sat., February 16 – vs. University of South Florida (10 AM | IMG Academy) – open/closed TBD
  Wed., February 20 – vs. Memphis 901 FC (TBD | TBD) – open/closed TBD
• Sun., February 24 – at University of Kentucky (TBD | Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex) – open/closed TBD
• Sat., March 2 – at University of Louisville (TBD | Lynn Stadium) – open to the public
  • Ticket info TBD

Fans can follow all the action on Twitter @loucityfc, with the possibility of remote streaming being explored for select matches. After the whistle, head over to LouisvilleCityFC.com for post-match recaps and complete coverage.

New signing Lucky Mkosana is here with a few new things to highlight about himself:

1. Who was your favorite player growing up? 
   Thierry Henry
2.  
3. Did you have a favorite team growing up? 
   Arsenal
4.  
5. What’s your favorite celebration you’ve ever done or you’ve ever seen? 
   One I did in 2015, against NYCFC in a U.S. Open Cup game
6.  
7. What’s your biggest soccer ambition?
   To represent my country in the African Cup of Nations Tournament
8.  
9. How would your friends describe you? 
   Hard worker, achiever, ambitious
10.  
11. What makes you happy?
    Every time I get to play soccer and spend time with family
12.  
13. Who is your dream dinner guest? 
    If he were alive, Bob Marley
14.  
15. Who is/was your most difficult opponent to face? 
    Carlos Mendez (NY Cosmos) when I was with the Tampa Bay Rowdies
16.  
17. What’s your perfect day off look like? 
    Sleeping in, going for brunch, getting a massage, and reading a book while drinking matè.