LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Tuesday it had signed defender Jan-Erik Leinhos ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season, bringing the former NCAA Division I title-winner at Marshall University into the professional ranks. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Leinhos was a four-year starter at Marshall, where he helped the Thundering Herd to a victory in the 2020 College Cup, NCAA Division I soccer’s national title. The outside back trialed with LouCity during its preseason, seeing regular minutes as he earned a place on the club’s roster.

“We are very happy to announce Jan-Erik's signing,” said LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “He is a player that has worked extremely hard to earn this contract throughout our preseason.

“Jan-Erik is a strong one-on-one defender who is calm on the ball and brings the right mentality to work every single day. He’s a player that can play outside back on either side as well as wingback, and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow here at Louisville City.”

From Felsberg, Germany, the 24-year-old started 72 of his 74 collegiate appearances, recording nine goals and nine assists for the Thundering Herd. He tallied more than 1,500 minutes in his final three seasons as Marshall reached the NCAA Division I Tournament each of those years, marking the program’s first appearances.

Before moving to the U.S., Leinhos came up through German fourth division side KSV Hessen Kassel. Leinhos started with the club’s U-17 squad in 2013 and eventually earned his way into the First Team.

“I’m very honored to be a part of Louisville City FC and couldn’t think of a better place to continue my career,” said Leinhos. “I felt welcomed from the first minute on, and I’m ready to work hard and contribute as much as I can toward winning.”