LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Friday five departures from the club, including goalkeeper Kyle Morton and defender Oscar Jimenez, as it made its first roster moves of the offseason ahead of the 2024 USL Championship campaign.

Both Morton and Jimenez depart as free agents, while defender Ramzi Qawasmy and midfielders Tyler Gibson and Rasmus Thellufsen had contract options declined.

“One of the toughest parts of this business is having to say goodbye,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “These are guys who have helped us win trophies and maintain a winning standard over the years. We'll continue to track their careers and hope to see them continue having success.”

Analysis

The departure of Kyle Morton from Louisville City FC is an indicator of how quickly things can change depending on circumstance. The Championship’s Golden Glove winner and All-League Second Team selection in 2022 after another standout season, an injury-hit season saw Oliver Semmle take the reins in goal for LouCity and star with 13 shutouts and a 1.11 goals against-average.

Morton should have plenty of suitors for his services moving forward, having been nominated for the Championship’s Goalkeeper of the Year award three times previously. At 29 years old he remains in his prime, and brings a career save percentage of 72 percent in 81 regular season and playoff games in the Championship, as well as being a net positive all-time in Goals Prevented.

Jimenez could also have options as one of the league’s most experienced defenders and someone who remains a strong set piece taker. With 36 career assists across the regular season and playoffs in 210 appearances – and 340 chances created in seven seasons at LouCity – there’s a good history there. At the same time, at 34 years old, this could be the final stop for Jimenez as a player, with the potential the next chapter is waiting for him.