Manny Perez is the latest player to join Coach Danny Cruz’s 2022 Louisville City squad. The right-footed 22-year-old most recently spent time under contract with the Portland Timbers but on loan with Austin FC in the MLS. Before that, he was signed with Celtic but was loaned to North Carolina FC. His debut with North Carolina was LouCity’s 2019 first regular-season match. He's eligible for selection in games this week set for Wednesday (vs. El Paso Locomotive FC) and Saturday (at Phoenix Rising FC)
“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity," Perez said of joining LouCity. "I want to leave a mark here at the club and give my best to the winning culture. I'm ready to get started and excited to meet this amazing fan base."
"We are thrilled to be able to welcome Manny to the club,” said Coach Cruz. “He’s a versatile player who we feel can play multiple positions for us. We will look to utilize him on the wings and at outside back this season. We have also seen him play at the wingback position and feel he has all the tools to be dangerous on both sides of the ball.”
Versatile is certainly an apt descriptor for Manny. He has played in several spots in his relatively young career, mostly on the right-wing or center forward in his recent Austin FC stint. His attacking background slotted in an outside back position could bring us the shades of Jonathan Gomez we will be without this season. One of the more intriguing signings this offseason. Excited to see him in action!
As the season approaches, the roster is nearing completion. Expect to see a center back and goal keeper in the lead up to the regular season!
Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Jorge Gonzalez, Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby, Enoch "Matiti" Mushagalusa, Ray Serrano, Wilson Harris
Midfielders: Corben Bone, Tyler Gibson, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Paolo DelPiccolo, Manny Perez
Defenders: Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder
Goalkeepers: Kyle Morton, Parker Siegfried
Parting Thoughts
On 02/23, the Coopers will be holding a USWNT watch party and membership packet pickup event at Atrium Brewing. Join in on the fun!
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? Might I suggest The Tifos of Louisville City, The Louisville City Youth Movement, Louisville City’s Pathway To The Pros, What Are Expected Goals (xG)?, or What Are Goals Added (G+)?.
Have a friend just getting into LouCity soccer? Be sure to send them the Introduction To Louisville City link to give them a point of reference to learn about the club and league.
Be sure to check out the Vamos Morados Podcast featuring me, Benton, and Zach Allen-Kelly. It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Audible, and Spotify. Everything you need to listen can be found on the Podcast page. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
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