LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Jake Morris ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Morris arrives having spent the past two seasons with current MLS Cup title holder the Columbus Crew, where he appeared in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and for Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. This past campaign, the 24-year-old also made 12 appearances while on loan with Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship.

“Jake is a strong, dynamic outside back that will bring another physical presence to our back line," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "His delivery and ability to defend one on one were two traits that stood out to us as we started the recruitment process. He is coming from a winning culture in Columbus and understands what it takes to compete for championships.

"I want to continue bringing in players that we believe are hungry to improve every single day, and when we met with Jake it was clear that this would be a good fit for us. I am looking forward to getting Jake here and am excited to begin our work together.”

An outside back, Morris made his debut in the Championship in 2018 as a USL Academy signing for the Tacoma Defiance and made five appearances for the side overall before competing for Tyler Junior College and Campbell University collegiately. During his time with Crew 2, Morris helped the side win the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro title in 2022 and made 28 appearances overall with the side.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said Morris. “I think the organization is really well-run. All the players know the game plan and style of play, so when they step on the field they know what their job is.

“I think my experiences at Columbus will benefit me here. Louisville City has a very similar philosophy with the way they want to play.”

Analysis

Jake Morris arrives at LouCity as potential cover on the left side for veteran Amadou Dia, with his time on loan at Loudoun United FC showing his attacking instincts on the left flank. Morris recorded 25 crosses, 18 completed dribbles and 12 chances created in 12 appearances for Loudoun while playing predominantly in a wingback role.

That should offer a fit with the direction LouCity seems set to take in 2024 with a three-player back line and gives Morris the chance to come into his own more fully at the perennial title contender.