LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Thursday the return of Wes Charpie for a third season at the club with the experienced defender having agreed to a new contract, pending league and federation approval.

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 per game (1.05xGA/90) in the USL Championship.

“I’m absolutely delighted to return for a third season in Louisville,” said Charpie. “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 the Central Division title and reach the Eastern Conference Final of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires.

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

A regular presence in the Championship at various clubs before settling in Louisville, Charpie was a four-year starter at the University of South Florida 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 LouCity 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.”