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Louisville City FC defender Wes Charpie will return for a third season in purple having agreed to a new deal with the club pending league and federation approval, it was announced Thursday.

A 29-year-old from Tarpon Springs, Fla., Charpie broke out in 2021 as a key member of a LouCity back line that allowed the second-fewest shots (106) and second-lowest expected goals allowed (1.05) in the USL Championship. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to return for a third season in Louisville,” he said. “It’s been an honor to represent this amazing organization the past two years. We have business to finish in 2022, and I can’t wait to get back on the field with my team.”

Despite battling multiple injuries last season, Charpie made 18 starts across 21 appearances in central defense. That includes a final four-game stretch that saw LouCity clinch a Central Division title, No. 1 playoff seed and run back to the Eastern Conference Final.

Charpie totaled 58 clearances, second on the team only to Sean Totsch’s 101, and averaged a passing accuracy of 82.7%. Offensively, he scored twice, including his first professional goal June 12 in LouCity’s “Grand Opening” game at Lynn Family Stadium.

A journeyman before settling in Louisville, Charpie was a four-year University of South Florida starter before being selected by Toronto FC in the second round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to also play for Saint Louis FC, Jacksonville Armada and Memphis 901 FC. 

“Wes did an excellent job this year in the back for us,” said head coach Danny Cruz. “He was extremely consistent throughout the season, and he’s an important piece to our culture and our locker room. I’m looking forward to continuing to see how he grows on our back line. I think this is an important year for him that we’re excited to see him tackle.”

Charpie is the 14th returner for the boys in purple. Negotiations continue for other 2022 signings with more updates to follow.

Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster

Forwards: Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby

Midfielders: Corben Bone, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Paolo DelPiccolo, Elijah Wynder

Defenders: Wes Charpie, Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder

Goalkeepers: Parker Siegfried

Continuing to make offseason moves heading into 2022, Louisville City FC has struck a new deal with goalkeeper Parker Siegfried, the club announced Tuesday.

The agreement, pending league and federation approval, makes Siegfried the first at his position under contract for the boys in purple next year following the recent retirement of former No. 1 goalkeeper Chris Hubbard.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Louisville and playing for LouCity,” Siegfried said. “I’m excited to continue my journey here, and I can’t wait to contribute in what I’m sure will be a great 2022 season.”

Siegfried successfully trialed earlier this year to earn his shot in the USL Championship. He went on to split time with Hubbard, making 15 saves across nine appearances. The 24-year-old also caught the attention of Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC, going there on a short-term loan.

“Parker did an excellent job this year,” LouCity head coach Danny Cruz said. “We saw a lot of growth in his development, and he stepped in at a crucial time to make a lot of big saves for us. He earned the opportunity to be at Louisville City next year, and we’re excited to have him back.”

From Granville, Ohio, Siegfried came up through the Columbus Crew academy and spent time as a youth international on the United States’ U-14, U-15 and U-18 teams. The former Ohio State University standout continues to rank fourth all time for the Buckeyes in clean sheets having registered 18 during his college career.

Siegfried will make next year his third as a professional. He initially signed with USL League One side South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2020 before leaving late in the season to join Detroit City FC, which subsequently won the National Independent Soccer Association’s fall title.

LouCity can now count 13 returning players from last season’s squad that won the USL Championship’s Central Division and advanced to the club’s seventh consecutive Eastern Conference Final. Negotiations have continued for other players with updates to follow.

Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster

Forwards: Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby

Midfielders: Corben Bone, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Paolo DelPiccolo, Elijah Wynder

Defenders: Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder

Goalkeeper: Parker Siegfried

Louisville City FC captain Paolo DelPiccolo will remain in purple for the 2022 season having agreed to a new contract, it was announced Friday.

The deal, for which terms were not disclosed, is pending league and federation approval.

DelPiccolo returns after scoring a career-high nine goals last season to go with two assists, the result of a shift from his traditional central midfield position to a higher attacking role for head coach Danny Cruz.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring our captain back,” Cruz said. “He’s really important to us both on and off the field. I was proud of the year he had and thought he was excellent in the attack for us. We’re looking forward to having his leadership and winning mentality in our locker room.”

Having originally signed with LouCity in 2016, DelPiccolo has gone on to number 161 USL Championship appearances, with the former University of Louisville star one of two players to tally more than 12,000 minutes played for the club.

DelPiccolo began wearing the captain’s armband in 2017, when the boys in purple won the first of their back-to-back league titles. Along the way, he showed leadership on and off the field, briefly helping lead the squad as part of the “triumvirate” of player coaches leading up to the 2018 championship.

“I’m really excited to be returning,” DelPiccolo said. “I will never take for granted to opportunity to play professionally, especially at a club like Louisville City. To come back and play for a coach like Danny Cruz is really exciting. I’m anxious to get started again and get back to achieving the standards set here.”

A 30-year-old from Colorado, DelPiccolo has established roots in Louisville. He continues to hold the UofL school record for career assists (23) and was part of the Cardinals’ 2010 NCAA College Cup squad. DelPiccolo is engaged to Louisville native and former UofL volleyball star Katie George, now an ESPN analyst and reporter.

DelPiccolo’s deal ups LouCity’s roster to 12 players ahead of next season. Negotiations continue for other returners and new signings with updates to follow soon.

Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster

Forwards: Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby

Midfielders: Corben Bone, Paolo DelPiccolo, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Elijah Wynder

Defenders: Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder

Louisville City FC’s turning the calendar to a new year a bit early.

The club on Tuesday unveiled 2022’s home and away kits, which are also available now for purchase online at shop.https://www.www.loucity.com or at the Lynn Family Stadium team store open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

This marks the first time LouCity has revealed its future looks before the Christmas holiday, with orders made immediately expected to arrive in time to put under the tree.

The boys in purple will remain just that with their home kit, a play on the club’s signature color. An away shirt with vertical stripes puts a twist on the club’s traditional white away jersey.

Louisville-based GE Appliances returns as the main front sponsor with Kentuckiana Toyota Dealers on the back and MHS Global on the sleeve.

“GE Appliances is proud to support these professional athletes in our hometown of Louisville, Ky., for a sixth season,” said Mary Putman, chief marketing officer of GE Appliances. “The energy, excitement and passion this team drives for the city in an area where our own teams work, live and thrive is an honor to celebrate through this kit reveal.”

Back of jersey customization is available immediately for player names on home kits, and away shirts can be done later upon arrival of 2022’s new names and number sets.

All jerseys ordered now can be brought back to the team store later to be customized. Reach the team store at (502) 919-9335 to check availability.

The club’s third kit will be revealed later during the season.

Louisville City FC defender Jonathan Gomez on Friday received a landmark first U.S. Men’s National Team call up for the squad’s December camp and friendly.

The red, white and blue report this weekend to Carson, Calif., for training ahead of a Dec. 18 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, set for 8 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park, home to LA Galaxy. FS1 will broadcast it.

With an eye toward next month’s World Cup Qualifiers and Major League Soccer-based players now in the offseason, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s almost-exclusively domestic-based roster comprises core national team players as well as younger players who have earned opportunities.

“It’s been a great year for the group and our objective is to finish the year with a strong performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Berhalter said. “As we look towards 2022, this camp gives us the opportunity to see some new faces and allows our core domestic players to maintain their fitness levels.”

Gomez in turn gets the chance to show himself to senior national team staff before a move to Spanish club Real Sociedad during the upcoming transfer window. Because the game is a friendly and not formal competition, the 18-year-old outside back can also play without declaring for the USMNT over the longterm.

Along with Orange County SC defender Kobi Henry, Gomez is the first active USL Championship player named to a U.S. senior team squad, according to the league.

“I’m honored to be selected,” Gomez said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to go see the environment and train at a high level.”

A dual national who also spent time earlier this year with Mexico’s national team, Gomez had a breakout 2021 season that ended with him voted the USL Championship’s Young Player of the Year and a spot on the All-League First Team.

The Texas native is a fullback with attacking flair, numbering 2 goals and 8 assists to go with 42 key passes. Defensively, he tallied 117 recoveries thanks to a 75.9 percent tackle success rate and 54.1 percent duel success rate.

As a result Gomez earned himself the rare move from the USL Championship ranks to Real Sociedad, a current top-four club within La Liga, Spain’s first division. The transfer window opens Jan. 1.

Full USMNT Roster (Club; Caps/Goals)

Goalkeepers (3): John Pulskamp (Sporting Kansas City; 0/0), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 12/0)

Defenders (11): George Bello (Atlanta United; 5/0), Justin Che (FC Dallas; 0/0), Jonathan Gomez (Louisville City; 0/0), Kobi Henry (Orange County SC; 0/0), Henry Kessler (New England Revolution; 1/0), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United; 0/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 21/3), Kevin Paredes (D.C. United; 0/0), Bryan Reynolds (Roma/ITA; 1/0), Auston Trusty (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 22/2)

Midfielders (5): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 44/2), Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional/BRA; 2/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 29/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 15/0)

Forwards (7): Taylor Booth (Bayern Munich II/GER; 0/0), Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls; 0/0), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 4/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 39/10), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; 6/3), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew; 65/14)

Louisville City FC has 11 players under contract for 2022, the club announced Thursday, keeping a core group in purple with offseason processes well underway.

Fresh off a seventh consecutive run to the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference Final, LouCity exercised options to retain defenders Oscar Jimenez and Sean Totsch along with midfielder Niall McCabe and forward Brian Ownby.

That quartet joins the following players with existing deals that continue into next year: defender Josh Wynder; midfielders Corben Bone, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Carlos Moguel Jr. and Elijah Wynder; as well as forward Cameron Lancaster.

Departing the club are goalkeeper Simon Lefebvre; defenders Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy and Akil Watts; and forwards Kyle Greig, Antoine Hoppenot and Abdou Thiam. As was previously announced, goalkeeper Chris Hubbard has retired, and defender Jonathan Gomez will move to first division Spanish club Real Sociedad when the transfer window opens in January.

“I am thankful for everything that these players gave to Louisville City this year,” said head coach Danny Cruz. “While we fell short of our ultimate goal, their commitment to our process, this club and the community is something that I will always be grateful for.

“As the offseason is underway, we are diligently working to make sure that we are bringing in the right players that will push us toward another USL Championship trophy. We have a clear view of how we want to build this team for the future and are looking forward to bringing in players that will fit both on and off the field.”

The club continues to negotiate toward contracts for other returning players, as well as new signings, with updates to be provided in due time.

“We wish all the players who are leaving us the very best for their future endeavors,” said the club’s executive vice president of development, James O’Connor. “They will always be a part of the LouCity family, and I want to thank them all individually for their contributions not just on the field but also off it.

“As we move through the offseason, our supporters will start to see the ideas for next year. Danny and his staff have a clear identity in what they want to bring in, and we look forward to supporting them.”

Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster

Forward: Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby

Midfielders: Corben Bone, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Elijah Wynder

Defenders: Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder

Goalkeeper Chris Hubbard has elected to retire from professional soccer with the 2021 season finished, concluding a career that stretches back to Louisville City FC’s beginnings.

The Trinity High School graduate initially spent summers training with the boys in purple while home from the University of Notre Dame. He then signed with the club in 2018 and went on to play a key role between the posts.

Hubbard started both as LouCity advanced to the 2019 USL Championship Final and again this year when the team made a repeat Eastern Conference Final appearance.

“It’s a combination of a few things,” Hubbard said of his retirement. “One is my health — my knee. When I underwent surgery a few years ago, they removed a little bit of cartilage, and we knew it wasn’t going to be a lasting solution. I want to have good mobility and health outside of soccer.”

Personally, Hubbard is also entering new phases. He’s planning a December 2022 wedding with his fiancé, Victoria, who’s a lawyer set to relocate to Colorado for work this spring. Hubbard will follow while looking to put his Notre Dame degree to work.

“I want to be on the front lines helping address issues related to climate change,” he said. “It’s something I’m really passionate about. COVID-19 quarantine made me an avid reader, and that’s something that the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to help.”

Hubbard retires having made 129 saves in 52 USL Championship appearances. Thirteen of those games resulted in clean sheets, including three straight shutouts toward the end of the 2021 season. LouCity won the Central Division as a result and advanced to the USL Championship’s national semifinal round for a seventh straight year.

“We are thankful for Chris and everything that he has given this club and community,” said LouCity head coach Danny Cruz. “He has played an important role in the success of this club over the last few years, and I will miss having him in the locker room every day. With all of that being said, I am excited for what the future holds for Chris. He is a bright-minded, hard-working individual and there is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to achieve.”

“We thank Chris for his valuable contributions to our club and organization through the years,” added goalkeeper coach Scott Budnick. “We are happy for Chris in taking this step and know he will be successful in his future endeavors whatever they may be.” 

Hubbard emerged as a pro prospect after a decorated career at Trinity, where he was a four-year varsity starter and Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year. With the Fighting Irish he regularly made the ACC Academic Honor Roll and captained his side in 2017 as a senior.

“I want to thank Chris and his family for allowing me to be part of their lives for more than a decade,” said Thabane Sutu, LouCity’s first-ever goalkeeper coach. Sutu has coached Hubbard from some of his earliest days between the posts, with Hubbard likening the mentor to “a second father” upon his 2018 signing with the boys in purple.

“Little did I know that what started as a tryout for United 1996 FC would develop into a lifelong friendship,” Sutu added. “It must have been a proud moment for Chris and his family to represent his hometown team, Louisville City. Congratulations on a job well done. I can’t wait to see what path Chris takes, and I’m sure he’ll be just as successful in whatever he sets out to do.”

When he arrived at Louisville City FC, signing his first professional contract after winning the 2019 USL League One title with North Texas SC as a USL Academy signing at 16 years old, Jonathan Gomez was primed to take the next step in a promising career. 

Two years later, after a year that saw him invited to train with the Mexico Men’s National Team and named in the United States’ preliminary roster for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, that promise is well on the way to being fully realized. 

Already named to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team, Gomez was on Tuesday also named the 2021 USL Championship Young Player of the Year, adding to the accolades this campaign has brought him. A mainstay at left back, Gomez helped lead LouCity to a seventh consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Final while performing strongly at both ends of the field, tallying two goals and eight assists in attack to go with 39 interceptions, 117 recoveries and a 75.9 percent tackle success rate defensively. 

“I think it’s a testament to not only what I’ve done but what we did here as a team at LouCity,” said Gomez of the award. “Obviously, we didn’t end how we wanted, but I think we still had a strong season. I’m proud of my individual performances, and it’s an honor to collect this accolade knowing how many quality young players there are in the league.” 

On a veteran-laden squad, Gomez proved one of Louisville’s most consistent performers game-in and game-out. The youngster ranked third on the team in minutes played during the regular season while sitting second to veteran teammate and fellow All-League First Team selection Sean Totsch in interceptions and second to standout winger Brian Ownby in both assists and chances created (42). 

Gomez believes being in an environment such as the one that has been fostered since LouCity’s inception as a club has aided his individual progress as a player.  

“Being at top club like this and getting First Team minutes at a young age really helped me develop in my game both on the attacking and defensive side,” said Gomez. “I’d say my game has more improved on the attacking side, which is what people look for in modern fullbacks.” 

At the same time, the dedication Gomez has applied in training over the past two seasons has reflected his on-field performance so far and the heights to which he could ascend in the future, according to LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. 

“I think it’s a testament to the work he’s put in day in and day out,” said Cruz. “The kid has an unbelievable work ethic and understanding of the game. It’s no surprise to us at Louisville City that he’s reached the heights he has. The sky’s the limit, and we’re excited as a club to have played a part in his development. We’re looking forward to continuing to watch his growth in the future.” 

Gomez’s next chapter has already been determined, with the youngster now set to join La Liga’s Real Sociedad after agreement on his transfer from LouCity was announced in September. The opportunity that lies ahead – both in the club and international game – is now there for the taking for one of the brightest young players the Championship has seen in its history. 

“I’m looking forward to just getting over there, getting started and seeing where it can take me,” said Gomez. “I’ll be in Spain in one to two weeks and hopefully getting to know my teammates before I can start playing in January.” 

Gomez received 22 percent of the vote to earn the award, while El Paso Locomotive FC’s Diego Luna finished second on 14 percent and San Antonio FC’s Jose Gallegos finished third on 12 percent. Nineteen players overall received votes in balloting.  

The 2021 USL Championship Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL Championship market. Voting was conducted following the conclusion of the 2021 Championship regular season. 

USL Championship Young Player of the Year 

2011: Luke Mulholland, Wilmington Hammerheads FC 
2012: Jose Cuevas, Charleston Battery 
2013: Nate Robinson, Richmond Kickers 
2014: John McCarthy, Rochester Rhinos 
2015: Kharlton Belmar, Portland Timbers 2 
2016: Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls II 
2017: Chris Wehan, Reno 1868 FC 
2018: Efrain Alvarez, LA Galaxy II 
2019: Cristian Parano, San Antonio FC 
2020: Wilson Harris, Sporting Kansas City II 

(Note: USL Championship Rookie of the Year, 2011-17) 

The new Louisville Soccer Foundation — a 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC — will open its first major fundraiser this week with a Kickoff Auction featuring unique items from both professional clubs.

Bidding starts at 9 a.m. Tuesday and runs through Dec. 12 on memorabilia such as Racing goalkeeper Katie Lund’s jersey from her legendary performance in The Women’s Cup as well as a LouCity team-signed ball from the first game at Lynn Family Stadium.

Among the experiences offered are training days with the pros, game days in a Lynn Family Stadium suite and team travel to an away game.

Visit this link to browse items and bid.

With a goal to advance the health and wellness of the community through the power of soccer, fundraising efforts for the Louisville Soccer Foundation started late last season via a 50/50 raffle to support the first youth soccer leagues at a trio of Metro Parks.

The foundation has since formed a board and is actively seeking an executive director. Its mission is to “use soccer to provide our youth a safe place and the opportunity to dream, thrive, and succeed” through community partnerships.