LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Adrien Perez ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Perez joins LouCity having spent the past campaign with San Diego Loyal SC. He also brings four years of Major League Soccer experience to LouCity with Los Angeles FC and D.C. United.

“Adrien was one of our first targets on the board when the 2023 season came to an end," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "He is a dynamic forward that can play multiple positions in the attack for us. After our interview with him this offseason, we felt that his mentality would be a great fit for our group.

“He is a competitor who wants to win on a daily basis, and that is something that has been an area of focus for us this offseason. I am excited to work with him, and we are happy that he chose Louisville as the next chapter in his career.”

The 28-year-old recorded 10 goals and two assists in 31 appearances for SD Loyal last season, helping the side earn a top-three finish in the Western Conference.

"It was pretty much a no-brainer for me," Perez said of joining LouCity, especially after playing at Lynn Family Stadium. "It's something where I thought, 'Wow, it would be amazing to be on this field.' I loved the crowd. I loved the environment of the city just being there for a few days.

"I'd say I'm very technical on the ball, and I'm just looking to make plays, to score goals, to change the game and help my teammates win any way I can. This past season was my best one yet, but there's still more to come."

Analysis

LouCity’s addition of Adrian Perez gives the side a veteran option that can fit in seamlessly on the right side of a three-man front line or potentially as a second striker, having produced to impressive effect as a finisher and creator with SD Loyal this past season. Perez’s 10 goals tied for second on the team in San Diego – coming on an easily duplicatable 19.2 percent shot conversion rate and 61.5 percent shooting accuracy rate – and his ability to create could be a major plus for LouCity, which saw its attack underperform in 2023.

Perez had only two assists in the Championship but had an Expected Assists mark of 3.07xA and 24 chances created. How his presence fits with the return of Brian Ownby will be something to watch this preseason, but Perez’s arrival offers a likely upgrade to LouCity’s front line regardless.