LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Monday the club had re-signed defender Oscar for the 2023 USL Championship season, retaining one of the players who has been synonymous with LouCity’s success over the past six seasons. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“We believe that Oscar continues to be a great fit for the way that we want to play,” said LouCity Head coach Danny Cruz. “He is an experienced defender that brings us quality and calmness in possession. He has accomplished a lot in his time at Louisville City, and we are excited to have him back as a leader both on and off the field.”

Jimenez arrived in Louisville for the 2017 season, when the club won the first of consecutive USL Championship titles. He’s gone on to notch 32 assists across the Championship’s regular season and playoffs – tied for the club’s all-time lead with Brian Ownby – and ranks fourth on City’s list for minutes played at 12,518.

The outside back led LouCity in assists in both 2017 and 2018. He was also a USL Championship All-League First Team selection in 2019 as the club won its third Eastern Conference title. Limited by injuries in recent years, Jimenez appeared in 21 games last season en route to LouCity’s fourth Eastern Conference crown.

“I'm really looking forward to being back with LouCity for another year,” said Jimenez. "These past two seasons have been tough for me with injuries, but my hope is that all of that is behind me and I'm able to contribute in a big way next season. I'm hungry to become the best version of myself in this great city I call my home.

“One of the things I pride myself in is being the best that I can be each and every day, and that is one major reason why I'm excited to be back with this club: Everyone has this mindset.”

From Mount Vernon, Wash., the 33-year-old Jimenez played collegiately in his home state before stints with the USL Championship’s FC Tulsa (2015) and USL League Two’s Mississippi Brilla (2016). He then earned a contract out of an invitation trial with LouCity, jump starting a highly productive career with the club.