LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Monday then club had acquired U.S. youth international goalkeeper Damian Las on loan from Major League Soccer’s Austin FC for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Las moves to LouCity having been named MLS NEXT Pro’s 2023 Goalkeeper of the Year while guiding Austin FC II to the league title. The 21-year-old from Des Plaines, Ill., registered 12 clean sheets during the regular season – double the number of any other goalkeeper – while posting a 79.2 save percentage and 0.74 goals-against average.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome Damian to Louisville City,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “He is a player that Scott Budnick, our goalkeepers coach, brought to our attention, and we felt would be a great addition to our group. We are thankful to Austin FC, as they have entrusted us with one of their players. There is no doubt in my mind that we will do everything we can to continue his development both on and off the field.”

“I am very excited to be joining Louisville City,” added Las. “It is a great club with a great fan base. I want to come in, help the team as much as possible and continue my development. I am ready to work hard for the club and for my teammates.”

Las steps into a role that has thrived under Budnick's guidance. Kyle Morton won the USL Championship’s Golden Glove in 2022. Then last year, Oliver Semmle racked up a Championship rookie-record 13 shutouts.

A 6-foot-1 shot-stopper, Las originally signed with Austin FC in 2022 on a transfer from English side Fulham FC, where he appeared for the club’s U-23 squad in Premier League 2. He has so far represented the U.S. at the U-15 and U-17 levels, making a start in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Las, who was invited to last summer’s MLS All-Star Challenge, took MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month honors in each of April, June and August. His diving save on a curling North Texas SC free kick back on April 12 was also voted the league’s Save of the Year.

“Damian's pedigree and accomplishments speak to the value he will bring to our locker room and our goalkeeping corps,” said Budnick. “I look forward to welcoming Damian and working with him this coming year.”