Louisville City FC has reached an agreement to send midfielder Elijah Wynder on loan to USL League One’s FC Tucson, the clubs announced Thursday.
LouCity retains the option to recall Wynder after June 1. Other terms of the deal, which is pending league and federation approval, were not disclosed.
Wynder made history in December of 2020 when he became the first LouCity player to complete the club’s path to pro, going from an academy member to full first team signing at 17 years old. But the following month, the Oldham County native suffered a serious leg injury requiring surgery and wound up missing the 2021 season.
“When this opportunity with FC Tucson presented itself for Elijah, we felt it was a great step for him coming off the injury that he had,” said LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “I know Jon Pearlman very well. We are sending Elijah to not only work with a great coach but a great man.
“Elijah has done an excellent job over the last 12 months working hard to get himself back on the field. He also came into preseason very sharp, and I am confident he will continue his form with Tucson.
“We will evaluate Elijah on a weekly basis to determine how long of a loan this will be. Ultimately we will do what is in the best interest of his development as well as our group.”
Wynder, now 18, is the 2019 Courier Journal Boys Soccer Player of the Year following a standout junior season at Louisville Collegiate that saw him pour in 24 goals and tally 12 assists. On the club side, he grew up playing for Ohio Elite Soccer Academy-Kentucky, now known as Elite FC Louisville, before transitioning to LouCity.
FC Tucson — which plays home games at Kino North Stadium in southern Arizona — opens its season April 2 against the Richmond Kickers. USL League One games are available to stream on ESPN+.
