TUCSON, Ariz. – FC Tucson announced on Thursday it had acquired midfielder Elijah Wynder on loan from USL Championship side Louisville City FC for the 2022 USL League One season. As part of the loan agreement, LouCity retains the option to recall Wynder after June 1. Other terms of the deal, which is pending league and federation approval, were not disclosed.

“He'll be a great fit here,” said FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman. “A great young player with incredible talent as an eight and we expect great things from him.”

Wynder made history in December of 2020 when he became the first LouCity player to complete the club’s path to pro, going from an academy player to full First Team signing at 17 years old. The following month, the Oldham County native suffered a serious leg injury that required surgery and wound up missing the 2021 season.

Wynder will now get the opportunity compete for Tucson this season as he makes his first official steps into the professional ranks after last year’s setback.

“When this opportunity with FC Tucson presented itself for Elijah, we felt it was a great step for him coming off the injury that he had,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz.  “I know Jon Pearlman very well. We are sending Elijah to not only work with a great coach but a great man.

“Elijah has done an excellent job over the last 12 months working hard to get himself back on the field. He also came into preseason very sharp, and I am confident he will continue his form with Tucson.

“We will evaluate Elijah on a weekly basis to determine how long of a loan this will be. Ultimately we will do what is in the best interest of his development as well as our group.”

Prior to turning professional, Wynder had played high school soccer with Louisville Collegiate where he was a standout player, being named the Courier Journal Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2019. He scored 24 goals and tallied 12 assists during this season.

Before signing with Louisville City's academy, Wynder played with the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy-Kentucky.