Louisville City FC has re-upped with midfielder and team captain Paolo DelPiccolo on a new contract for the 2023 season, it was announced Wednesday.
Terms of the deal, which is pending league and federation approval, were not disclosed.
“I can’t overstate the importance of re-signing Paolo to a new contract,” said head coach Danny Cruz. “He is a big reason that going into last season we were able to integrate so many new faces into our locker room. He understands what it means to be a part of this culture here at Louisville City, and more importantly he is a tremendous leader.”
DelPiccolo’s re-signing continues a highly successful tenure for a team leader with roots in the city. Part of the University of Louisville’s 2010 NCAA College Cup squad, he returned as a professional in 2016, going on to help LouCity win two USL Championship titles (2017-2018) and four Eastern Conference crowns (2017-2019, 2022).
DelPiccolo made a team-high 37 appearances across the most-recent regular season and playoffs, numbering four goals.
“I’m thrilled to return to LouCity for another season,” DelPiccolo said. “This club and the people I work with mean so much to me. I am determined to help LouCity continue its success, and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch in 2023.”
From Wheat Ridge, Colo., DelPiccolo began his pro career in Germany, made stops at two Major League Soccer clubs and played previously in the USL Championship for Arizona United (2014) and the Charlotte Independence (2015). He’s been with LouCity ever since, with DelPiccolo’s 176 regular season appearances in purple the fourth-most for a single team in league history.
The 31-year-old lives in Louisville with his wife, Katie, a rising star sports reporter at ESPN.
This marks LouCity’s 19th returning player announced to date. Cruz and his staff continue to negotiate toward new contracts for other returners with updates to be provided in due time.
More information on the 2023 USL Championship campaign, such as the schedule, is expected after the new year. For now, season ticket memberships are on sale by visiting LouCity.com/tickets or calling (502) LOU-CITY during regular business hours.
Current 2023 Louisville City FC Roster
Forwards: Jorge Gonzalez, Wilson Harris, Cameron Lancaster, Enoch Mushagalusa, Brian Ownby and Ray Serrano
Midfielders: Paolo DelPiccolo, Carlos Moguel Jr. and Elijah Wynder
Defenders: Wes Charpie, Owen Damm, Amadou Dia, Manny Perez, Sebastian Sanchez, Ian Soler, Sean Totsch and Josh Wynder
Goalkeepers: Danny Faundez and Kyle Morton
