Louisville City is developing a habit of poaching talent from its rivals. Less than a month after securing former Indy Eleven player, Tyler Gibson, City has just announced the signing of FC Cincinnati fan-favorite, Jimmy McLaughlin. The Pennsylvania native was part of the Philadelphia Union’s youth system and played one season collegiately for Colgate University, earning 2011 Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors. In October 2012, McLaughlin made his MLS debut, coming on as a substitute for LouCity’s assistant coach and technical director, Danny Cruz. McLaughlin went on to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders and most recently FC Cincinnati. During his time with FC Cincy in the USL, he made over 100 appearances, tallying 12 goals and 11 assists. McLaughlin’s time with the MLS-iteration of FCC was hampered with injuries. “I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder and a lot to prove,” McLaughlin said. “I’m ready to go. The last few years were just an unfortunate situation, but I’m ready feeling really good. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team, and I’m out to prove that I’m still a very good player.”
“We’ve known Jimmy for quite some time and understand exactly what we are getting both on and off the field,” Cruz said. “Jimmy is a dynamic winger who can play on both sides of the field and loves the challenge of taking players on in the final third. He is the type of person who understands the value of a locker room and what it means to be part of such a strong culture. We are looking forward to having Jimmy here and are happy that we were able to get this deal done.”
“This is an important signing for us,” Coach John Hackworth said. “In Jimmy, we have added a dangerous attacking player with a wealth of professional experience. Unfortunately for him, his last two seasons in MLS have been challenging due to injuries. However, we are confident that he is back to 100% from a physical perspective and is super motivated from a mental perspective. Our staff knows he is a perfect fit for our locker room as well. We look forward to Jimmy bringing his high energy enthusiasm to everything we do collectively.”
Jimmy found himself on the outside looking in at FCC between injuries and coaching/roster turnover. With his time in the MLS not going according to plan and his previous connection to the Union, it’s not surprising that Coach Hackworth and Danny Cruz gave his availability some notice. They’ve had a history of preference towards individuals they have worked with before with the Union (ex. Hoppenot, Bone, Ockford). He will have a familiarity with much of the squad having played against them many times and will be reunited with fellow FCC player, Corben Bone. Jimmy joining the front line will help to drive competition in the front. While at first glance it looks like Lancaster, Hoppenot, and Ownby's to lose, don't count Jimmy out. It's not impossible to think there might be some experimentation with him on other parts of the pitch, such as midfield. The 2021 roster is filling up. One area in which the team is light is the goalkeeper position. We can likely expect some news on that situation in the next two weeks.
CURRENT LOUISVILLE CITY FC 2021 ROSTER
Goalkeeper – Chris Hubbard
Defender – Wes Charpie, Jonathan Gomez, Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Akil Watts
Midfielder – Corben Bone, George Davis IV, Tyler Gibson, Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Elijah Wynder
Forward – Antoine Hoppenot, Cameron Lancaster, Jimmy McLaughlin, Brian Ownby, Abdou Thiam