Coach Danny Cruz’s latest signing hails from outside the US soccer ecosystem. The 6’2” Spaniard Ian Pino Soler is the latest to join Louisville City’s 2022 campaign. The 26-year-old center back began his career in the youth ranks of RCD Espanyol (Spain), before spending time at Fulham (England), Atlético Malagueño (Spain), MFK Zemplín Michalovce (Slovakia), and most recently Zagłębie Lubin (Poland). While listed as a center back, he can also play as a 6 (defensive midfield).
“I want to thank Coach Danny and the whole board of Louisville City,” Soler said. “They showed it’s a great family, the best place to keep improving, and we’re going to fight for everything. I can’t wait to start this new adventure.”
"Ian is a hungry player with experience playing in Europe at center back and holding midfield," said LouCity Coach Cruz. "When bringing players in, we go through an extensive process using statistical data, video and player interviews. Ian checked all the boxes for what we are looking for in a Louisville City player. He is a hard-nosed defender who has a lot of quality with the ball at his feet. We are looking forward to having him here."
Another very interesting signing for the 2022 squad. Between Sean Totsch, Wes Charpie, Josh Wydner, and Ian, it’s going to be quite the competition for a starting CB role. Not to mention the competition that he could give someone like Tyler Gibson as a defensive midfielder. How he stacks up is less clear than some of the other signings. However, Coach Cruz's embracing of statistics along with tape review and interviews has me feeling confident about his inclusion. He still has to go through the visa process, so we may not see him with the squad for another week or so. He made it into FIFA 22 so you can always scope him out there to get a feel for him. Or check out the videos below.
Keep your eyes peeled, I’d told there is still another goalkeeper announcement to come in the near future!
Current 2022 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Jorge Gonzalez, Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby, Enoch "Matiti" Mushagalusa, Ray Serrano, Wilson Harris
Midfielders: Corben Bone, Tyler Gibson, Jay Tee Kamara, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Paolo DelPiccolo, Manny Perez
Defenders: Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Josh Wynder, Ian Soler
Goalkeepers: Kyle Morton, Parker Siegfried
Parting Thoughts
On 02/23, the Coopers will be holding a USWNT watch party and membership packet pickup event at Atrium Brewing. Join in on the fun!
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? Might I suggest The Tifos of Louisville City, The Louisville City Youth Movement, Louisville City’s Pathway To The Pros, What Are Expected Goals (xG)?, or What Are Goals Added (G+)?.
Have a friend just getting into LouCity soccer? Be sure to send them the Introduction To Louisville City link to give them a point of reference to learn about the club and league.
Be sure to check out the Vamos Morados Podcast featuring me, Benton, and Zach Allen-Kelly. It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Audible, and Spotify. Everything you need to listen can be found on the Podcast page. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
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