LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced its first roster moves for the 2024 USL Championship season on Monday, with the club set to welcome back at least 13 players from the past campaign after a ninth consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Final of the USL Championship Playoffs.

LouCity has exercised contract options on Owen Damm, Brian Ownby and Sebastian Sanchez, and has signed Danny Faundez, Jorge Gonzalez, Niall McCabe and Ray Serrano to new contracts. Meanwhile, Amadou Dia, Dylan Mares, Carlos Moguel Jr., Oliver Semmle, Sean Totsch and Elijah Wynder remain under contract for the 2024 campaign.

The club also announced the departure of Enoch Mushagalusa and Maarten Pouwels.

LouCity remains in negotiations to sign more returners as well as a host of new incoming players. More announcements are expected in the coming days.

“We are working tirelessly to put together a roster in 2024 that our club and community can be proud of,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “Despite the ups and the downs of this past season, we put ourselves in a position to compete for a trophy before falling short. We have a staff and group of players that are hungry to compete for a USL Championship title. I am confident that by combining some new pieces with the returning players, we will put ourselves in the best position possible to do so.

“I also want to thank the players departing Louisville City for their commitment both on and off the field. I look forward to following them throughout their careers.”

Analysis

Louisville City FC’s continuity has been a hallmark each offseason, and there’s more of that here with club original Niall McCabe signing a new contract and veteran forward Brian Ownby having his contract option exercised. The club’s youth prospects continue to be a priority with Carlos Moguel Jr. and Elijah Wynder both coming off solid campaign, and Owen Damm and Sebastian Sanchez both retained as they look for a similar jump in 2024.

The next steps for LouCity would appear to be securing a few more returnees from the past season, with Kyle Adams proving a solid fit after his midseason arrival from San Diego Loyal SC. There should be much more to come from one of the Championship’s elite clubs, but this makes for a solid start before adding any new faces.

Current 2024 Louisville City FC Roster

Goalkeepers: Danny Faundez, Oliver Semmle

Defenders: Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Sebastian Sanchez, Sean Totsch

Midfielders: Jorge Gonzalez, Dylan Mares, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Elijah Wynder

Forwards: Brian Ownby, Ray Serrano