Louisville City FC has signed forward Issac Cano to a USL Academy contract ahead of the 2023 season, the club announced Tuesday.
The deal, which is pending league and federation approval, allows the 18-year-old Cano to train with and play for LouCity’s first team while retaining his amateur status.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who has helped me get to this point,” Cano said. “The hard work continues.”
“This is another great opportunity for one of our academy players to continue through our developmental pathway,” added LouCity’s head coach, Danny Cruz. “Issac is a player who is fearless and ready to learn every day. We have seen significant growth from him both on and off the field over the last year, which is a testament to the work that he has put in.
“I continue to be extremely proud of our pathway here at this club. The work that Mario Sanchez, Luke Spencer and our entire academy coaching staff are doing in preparing these young players is extremely important to how we want to operate.”
Cano attended Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where as a senior he scored 34 of 89 goals for the Bulldogs en route to winning the 2021 state championship. Since then, he has emerged as a top player in LouCity’s youth system, logging minutes throughout the club’s 2023 preseason games.
Cano assisted forward Wilson Harris’ goal in a Feb. 4 draw with Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC. Next time out, he started Feb. 6 as LouCity defeated the USL Championship’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in preseason action.
“We are thrilled that Issac has earned this opportunity,” said Sanchez, head of the LouCity Academy. “Over the last three years, Issac has worked hard to improve his game on and off the field. Along the way, he has implemented the advice he received from the academy staff and first team coaches. (Academy director) Luke Spencer and I are looking forward to seeing Issac continue his developmental journey this season.”
Cano and the rest of LouCity’s roster are preparing for a March 11 USL Championship opener at Orange County SC. Two weeks later, the boys in purple host El Paso Locomotive FC in their March 25 home opener.
Season, group and premium tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now by visiting LouCity.com/tickets or calling (502) LOU-CITY during regular business hours. Single game tickets go on sale Feb. 28.
Current 2023 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Issac Cano, Jorge Gonzalez, Wilson Harris, Cameron Lancaster, Enoch Mushagalusa, Brian Ownby and Ray Serrano
Midfielders: Paolo DelPiccolo, Tyler Gibson, Dylan Mares, Niall McCabe, Carlos Moguel Jr., Rasmus Thellufsen and Elijah Wynder
Defenders: Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Oscar Jimenez, Manny Perez, Sebastian Sanchez, Ian Soler, Sean Totsch and Josh Wynder
Goalkeepers: Danny Faundez, Kyle Morton and Oliver Semmle
