LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC reached an agreement with Jacksonville Armada FC for a Club-record transfer of forward Matt Fondy, the Club announced Thursday. Fondy played an integral role in Louisville City’s historic inaugural season — one that saw him named USL Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner with the league’s all-time highest goal-scoring season.
Per Club policy, the terms of the agreement are not disclosed.
“It was a tremendous year for me in Louisville,” Fondy said. “The support from the supporters and supporter groups, the city, coaching staff and my teammates really made Louisville feel like home. It was the most intimate and tightly knit environment I have been a part of in my career, and I will be very sad to not be able to play in purple at Slugger Field.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for all the unforgettable moments.”
The 27-year-old striker helped lead LouCity to the Eastern Conference final in its first season in the league, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists after starting every league match. His goal mark from 2015 shattered the league’s previous high mark of 20 — scored by Orlando City SC’s Kevin Molino just a year earlier.
Making the Golden Boot performance even more impressive, Fondy scored only one penalty kick — out of two attempts — in the record-breaking campaign. Six of his strikes stood as game-winners. He finished the season leading the All-USL first team, completing a hat trick of accolades with his MVP and Golden Boot honors.
“For us to have been able to help with Matt’s development, that was a real treat,” Louisville City coach James O’Connor said. “We did well last year and enjoyed watching him work. To see him and his accomplishments was amazing, but that’s always going to garner a lot of attention.
“He’ll be the first to tell you how much his teammates and this Club meant to him and to that success too. At the end of the day it’s hard to see anyone move on, but we wish him the best moving forward as his career develops.”
Before joining Louisville City, Fondy featured in 15 combined matches for MLS-sides Chicago Fire (2014) and Chivas USA (2013), debuting on Aug. 28, 2013, in front of 38,000 fans against the Seattle Sounders.
The 6-foot-1 California-native has scored 38 total goals in USL play — including stops with the Los Angeles Blues (2012) and Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2011).
Between 2007-10, Fondy led the line for the University of California, Santa Cruz, collecting a 2010 NSCAA Division III All-American honor while with the Banana Slugs.
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Entering the 2016 preseason this month, Louisville City FC has returned 13 players from the 2015 roster while adding six new additions — including MLS Cup-winning forward Chandler Hoffman, University of Louisville alumnus Paolo DelPiccolo and University of Kentucky alumnus George Davis IV.
O’Connor and his team will begin training with a two-week camp at the state-of-the-art IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., before returning to Louisville for a four-game preseason schedule.
Louisville City FC will begin regular season play on March 26 at Charlotte Independence. LouCity then returns to Louisville Slugger Field on April 2 to host New York Red Bulls II in the home opener, with a special 3 p.m. kickoff.
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Fans can stay up to date with all of Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s official website.
