With the 2021 season wrapped up, teams have begun to announce their initial roster moves for the 2022 season. Today, Louisville City has shared the names of the players still under contract and those leaving the club.
First, the departures:
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.
Legendary Indy-slayer, Antoine Hoppenot, is likely the biggest surprise on the list for LouCity fans. Hoppenot joined City by way of the Lucky trade with Tampa in 2019.
Alexis Souahy has been a fixture on the backline since 2018, but will be elsewhere next season.
Pat McMahon was a reliable defender, and a well-liked figure in the locker room, but at 35 his playing career is likely coming to an end.
After three seasons, Abdou Thiam will be leaving the club, ending on an unfortunate injury-plagued season.
Former St Louis striker, Kyle Greig, may have only been with the club one season, but he left his mark as an impactful super-sub and understudy for Cam.
Akil Watts came aboard mid-2019 and fought for minutes in a competitive backline. He is still very young, so it's likely his career will continue in the USL.
Simon Lefebvre unfortunately didn't see any minutes in his sole LouCity season, but he is still early in his career and shouldn't struggle to find a home elsewhere.
Previously announced, Chris Hubbard will be calling it a career as he turns to the next chapter of his life and Jonathan Gomez is off to start his European adventure.
“I am thankful for everything that these players gave to Louisville City this year,” said 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."
"We wish all the players who are leaving us the very best for their of 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."
In more positive news, we have confirmation of a number of players staying for next season. The list includes Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Niall McCabe, Brian Ownby, Josh Wynder, Corben Bone, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Carlos Moguel Jr., Elijah Wynder, and Cameron Lancaster.
Notably absent are Wes Charpie, Tyler Gibson, Jimmy McLaughlin, George Davis IV (who was in a dual role), Parker Siegfried, Paolo DelPiccolo, and Jorge Gonzalez. The club continues to negotiate toward contracts for other returning players due time, as well as new signings, with updates to be provided in due time. If you a fan of those listed, don't give up hope yet as there is more to come!
"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," Coach Cruz stated. "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.” JOC added, "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.”
This will be Coach Cruz's first offseason at the helm and he has wasted little time taking decisive action to build the squad he believe can win championships. Buckle up, we've got a long offseason ahead of ourselves!
Parting Thoughts
The Kentucky Refugee Ministries Toy Drive is in full swing! Check out the LouCity Ladies website on how you can participate or head on over to their Amazon Wishlist to make a purchase to get shipped right to them!
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? Might I suggest The Tifos of Louisville City, The Louisville City Youth Movement, What Are Expected Goals (xG)?, or What Are Goals Added (G+)?.
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