LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Monday the club had re-signed New Zealand international Kyle Adams to a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Adams, who arrived via transfer from San Diego Loyal SC in late July, made an instant impact for a LouCity side that eventually returned to the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference Final for a ninth consecutive season. Adams started 15 of his 16 appearances in the second half of the campaign and led the side with 38 clearances and 40 aerial duels won during that span while also recording 16 interceptions and 92 recoveries.

“We are happy to be able to re-sign Kyle to a new contract,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “We were happy with his progress after coming to Louisville midseason and feel that with a full preseason under his belt, he is going to play an important role for us next year. I am looking forward to getting back to work with him as we look to compete for another USL Championship title.”

The 27-year-old has made 157 appearances in the USL Championship during his career, having also previously played for Real Monarchs SLC and Rio Grande Valley FC prior to SD Loyal. He has logged 13,265 minutes of play across the regular season and playoffs and has posted a 60.4 percent duel success rate in the league in his career.

“This club has a reputation for winning, and I want to be part of the legacy that has been created before me,” Adams said. “I’ve never won anything in my career as a pro player. I want to be part of lifting a trophy for this city.

“The way last season ended, it makes you hungry to take that next step to make the final and the next step after that to win the final. It’s been a long time since Louisville got over that line and won the USL Championship. I think a lot of the guys are working really hard in the offseason to get there.”

Analysis

After bringing Kyle Adams aboard mid-season, Louisville City FC kept a player that will provide a solid option on the back line moving into the 2024 campaign alongside returning veteran Sean Totsch and newcomer Arturo Ordóñez in the club’s preferred three-man back line. Adams had a big 2023 individually, earning his first cap for New Zealand while continuing to build his career in the Championship and the familiarity he build with the club should bode well for what’s next.

Adams has been a solid player throughout his career, but if there’s one area he will need to sharpen up to find the next level and potentially become a consistent part of New Zealand’s plans it will be in his tackling efficiency. Adams has a career success rate of 54.4 percent and won only four tackles in 16 appearances after joining LouCity midway through the past season. That should be a point of emphasis to round out his defensive game.