It’s another monumental day for the Louisville City Academy as a third youngster put pen to paper and signed a full professional contract. Following in both Elijah and Josh Wynder’s footsteps, Carlos Moguel Jr has signed his first-team contact before the USL Championship’s roster freeze deadline. Carlos had signed an academy contract earlier this season, which allowed him to play for both the academy and the first team while maintaining his amateur eligibility. The 18-year-old midfielder has appeared on multiple team sheets as a substitute for USL Championship games and was a key part of a successful run for the club’s first USL Academy League team. That group went an unbeaten 6-0-3 over the summer playing against, among others, familiar USL rivals Indy Eleven and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz stated, “This is a proud moment here at the club as we see another academy player sign a first-team contract. I’m thankful to our ownership for their commitment, as well as James O’Connor, Mario Sanchez, and Luke Spencer, for the work that they continue to do with these academy players. Carlos has a bright future, and we are looking forward to continuing to play an important role in his development.” On Carlos’ signing, Academy director Mario Sanchez said “He can change games with his passing range. He’s got a really good engine on him. It’s another great piece of the puzzle. LouCity’s all about winning championships. We’re not signing kids just to sign them. We’re signing them to win, and the commitment the club shows to the pathway to pro is so important.”
“I’m grateful, blessed and excited because this is just the beginning,” Carlos said. “I’m ready to start this new journey. I spent two years with the academy and had to earn this. That time challenged me and pushed me, and I’m thrilled to now get a pro deal.” Congratulations to Carlos for this milestone in his soccer career. Previously, Carlos has played for Martha Layne Collins High School and has been recognized as a Courier Journal All-Area, All-Louisville first team, and All-State selection.
This signing is yet another testament to the growing youth movement in Louisville and the club commitment to showing young talent that there is an achievable pathway to pro play right here in town. LouCity’s commitment to local players will be vital to building a successful culture and grooming players from an early age to play the Louisville city style of play. As more and more players like Carlos and the Wynder brother get opportunities, it will increase the club's ability to draw in more talent and build the team's foundations for years to come.
Parting Thoughts
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Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? Might I suggest How’s It Going? Part 3, What Are Expected Goals (xG)?, The Tifos of Louisville City, or The Louisville City Youth Movement?
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