Lou City has added more depth to its roster! This time, by way of a loan. Louisville City FC and Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers have agreed on a season-long loan deal sending midfielder Jorge Gonzalez.
The Valencia, Spain native moved to the United States in 2016 to play collegiately at NCAA Division II’s Mercyhurst University in Erie, Penn. In his one season with the Lakers, the midfielder had a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year campaign while tallying 14 goals and 4 assists in 18 appearances. He then transferred to Division I SIU Edwardsville, where he was coached by future Lou City Academy Director Mario Sanchez. The midfielder finished a decorated three seasons there by being named the 2019 Mid-American Conference Men’s Soccer Player of the Year.
Gonzalez, who also competed with USL League Two side Chicago FC United during his senior year at SIUE, went 76th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft to LAFC. He was not signed by LAFC and wound up signing with the Timbers, joined their USL side and made his professional debut on Aug. 3, 2020.
“It’s a win-win situation for us and Portland,” said LouCity’s head coach and sporting director, John Hackworth, who envisions Gonzalez in various attacking roles. “He fits the profile in terms of technical and tactical ability, but he’s also a really good person who’s going to increase the competitiveness for playing time on the field.”
"I’m really excited to be here after a long time without being on the pitch," Gonzalez said. "I can’t wait to play my first game in Lynn Family Stadium. Louisville City FC has always been a great team looking in from the outside. It’s great to join them for the season."
Given the depth of the roster, this was not a move of necessity. There is something about this deal that made it too sweet for Coach Hackworth and staff to pass on. With the departure of Speedy this offseason, a regular starter, an important position battle has been ongoing in the midfield. Now there is another player to drive further competition for that playing time. While preseason footage has been almost non-existent of the other contenders, I’ll let you be the judge if you feel he may be a starter based on his footage below.
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