Louisville City is beginning to finish out their roster construction with the latest signing being an addition to the goalkeeping corp. As rumored, Damian Las (Twitter/Insta) will be joining the team on load from Major League Soccer’s Austin FC. The 6’1”, 21-year-old Las had just re-signed with Austin coming off winning the MLS Next Pro title with Austin FC 2 and earning the MLS Next Pro’s 2023 Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Despite his career only just beginning, he has been favorably viewed by several bigger clubs. In late 2019, Las left the Chicago Fire academy for English side Fulham. He spent the majority of the 2021 season on loan with North Carolina in USL L1 before a stop at Harrow Borough FC, and then eventually returned to Fulham that September. He made his first appearance with the first team in November 2021 (albeit on the bench). Austin FC acquired his rights from the Chicago Fire (why are you the way that you are, MLS?) in 2022. As previously mentioned, his 2023 season was quite successful. He will now be looking to further his development in one of the most consistently successful USL Championship teams. Las also has experience with several US youth squads.
Bringing in a loanee with such a pedigree does beg the question if Oliver Semmle’s GK#1 status is in jeopardy. That situation aside, Las is a rising star in the GK space and it’s a win-win for him to get time with LouCity and Morados having such a highly regarded talent at their disposal. Should he live up to the hype then Louisville will have strengthened a position that was already fairly strong and among the best in the league. 2024 continues to look brighter and brighter!
Parting Thoughts
2024 Signings:
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