LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday it had signed defender Wes Charpie to a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Charpie made 27 appearances for LouCity in the past campaign and ranked in the top three among the club’s defenders in clearances (74), interceptions (25) and block shots (22). The 30-year-old also showed his versatility, playing at left back in addition to the central defensive position that has become his main role as his professional career has progressed.

“Wes has played an important role for us, and we are grateful that he has chosen to sign a new contract," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "Over the last two years, we have had one of the strongest defenses in the league from a data perspective, and Wes has played a big role in that. Wes understand the expectations of this club as well as the culture that has been set. We are happy to be able to get this done and are looking forward to continuing to strengthen the roster throughout the offseason.”

Charpie originally signed with LouCity ahead of the 2020 season after impressing in a preseason trial. He emerged the next year as a regular starter for one of the league’s best defenses as City allowed the second-fewest shots (106) and expected goals against per game (1.05) in the USL Championship. Charpie has currently made 97 appearances for LouCity across the Championship’s regular season and playoffs.

“For me to be back on a multi-year deal with this club really means a lot to me,” Charpie said. “I was thinking the other day, when I first signed for Louisville I had really no clue how it was going to go. Coming in, I didn’t want to change anything. I wanted just to be a part of the culture and continue the winning success.

“I couldn’t ever have dreamed of doing this, and I’m super, super excited to be part of it all again. Each year comes with many new challenges. I really hope we can continue our success and win some new silverware.”

Analysis

Wes Charpie’s return to LouCity gives the club more continuity on its back line alongside the arrival of Arturo Ordóñez from Pittsburgh, but could also give Head Coach Danny Cruz the flexibility to explore Charpie’s qualities either as a full back in a four-man back line or a left-sided wingback. As a younger player, Charpie was a sterling two-way performer at the University of South Florida and into the professional ranks after being selected by Toronto FC II, and may still have the ability to deliver quality from the flanks with the departure of Oscar Jimenez.

What will be interesting to see this preseason is what Cruz’s preferred three-man back line becomes. With Sean Totsch and Ordóñez likely slotted in, it could become a battle between Charpie and fellow returnee Kyle Adams as to who gets the majority of the remaining minutes. With two players of that caliber, that’s a good problem to have with the odd man out providing a great option as cover.