It wasn’t exactly a secret that Josh Wynder was going to be departing the club after turning 18. In preparation for his move to Europe, Jordan Scarlett was brought in during the offseason to backfill his role. However, injury has kept him out of action. “Since Jordan’s injury was confirmed as season-ending, we’ve been on the market looking to acquire a center back,” said Coach Danny Cruz. Louisville City has struck a deal with San Diego Loyal to address this deficiency in the roster. Enoch “Matiti” Mushagalusa has been loaned out to SD for the remainder of 2023 and in return, New Zealand international defender Kyle Adams (Twitter/Instagram) has been transferred to LouCity.
The 26-year-old Kiwi played collegiately at San Diego State from 2015 to 2017. He went on to register 52 appearances at Rio Grande Valley FC in 2018-2019 before signing with the Houston Dynamo in 2020 and subsequently getting loaned back to RGV for another 9 appearances at the club. The left-footed defender spent the following year with the Real Monarchs before signing with San Diego in 2022, where he has made 32 appearances.
“Kyle is a defender who brings us a lot of quality both with and without the ball,” stated Coach Cruz. “This opportunity presented itself, and we feel it provides us with flexibility in our shape as well as the depth needed to finish this season strong.”
“I’m ready to show the Louisville supporters the best version of myself on and off the field, and I’m hungry for success,” Adams said. “This is a big club, and I’m excited to embrace the pressures and expectations that come with that. I’m ready to get to work, and I can’t wait to meet all the fans Saturday night.”
Louisville City was one center back injury away from disaster. The team desperately needed another starting-caliber CB in the mix. The departure of Matiti may have initially unsettled some, however the door is not closed for him (or another attacking option). “We are constantly evaluating the roster and will continue to look at different opportunities to add to the attack,” Coach Cruz commented. “With that being said, Enoch is still a Louisville City player who is under contract for 2024. This is an opportunity for him to go get games, and in return, we feel we are receiving a quality defender.” Coach Cruz has repeatedly commented on his desire to have competition for roles and this move should certainly light a fire in a defense that has only recently begun trending in the wrong direction. It will be interesting to see the move shakes out for both parties, but on its surface, it looks like a decent bit of business.
Parting Thoughts
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