LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday the club had acquired New Zealand international defender Kyle Adams via transfer from fellow USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC. In a corresponding move, LouCity loaned forward Enoch Mushagalusa to SD Loyal for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Terms of the transactions, which are pending league and federation approval, were not disclosed.

Adams will provide much-needed depth for LouCity at the center back spot, where youth academy graduate Josh Wynder left on a European transfer earlier this summer and Jordan Scarlett suffered a season-ending injury.

“Kyle is a defender who brings us a lot of quality both with and without the ball," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "Since Jordan’s injury was confirmed as season-ending, we've been on the market looking to acquire a center back. This opportunity presented itself, and we feel it provides us with flexibility in our shape as well as the depth needed to finish this season strong.

"We are constantly evaluating the roster and will continue to look at different opportunities to add to the attack. With that being said, Enoch is still a Louisville City player who is under contract for 2024. This is an opportunity for him to go get games, and in return we feel we are receiving a quality defender.”

Adams played collegiately at San Diego State in California and has spent the balance of his professional career in the United States. That includes stops at Rio Grande Valley FC, which he captained in 2019, and Real Monarchs SLC before signing with San Diego in 2022.

Along the way Adams earned a senior team New Zealand cap, plus represented his home country on youth national teams. Adams, who holds a Green Card, will not count toward LouCity’s limit on international players.

This marks Adams’ first move to a USL Championship club in the Eastern Conference. He started in 16 of his 18 San Diego appearances in 2023, leading SD Loyal in minutes played (1,493), aerial duels won (54) and clearances (51).

“I’m ready to show the Louisville supporters the best version of myself on and off the field, and I’m hungry for success,” said Adams. “This is a big club, and I’m excited to embrace the pressures and expectations that come with that. I’m ready to get to work, and I can’t wait to meet all the fans Saturday night.”