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Louisville City FC

LouCity Inks U of L's All-Time Assists Leader DelPiccolo

February 2, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky. - One of Louisville's most productive on-the-pitch prodigal sons has returned after nearly four years. University of Louisville all-time assists leader and former U.S. Under-20 midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo will join Louisville City FC for 2016, the Club announced on Tuesday.

DelPiccolo is the first Louisville alumnus to sign with LouCity, joining in-state rival George Davis IV - the Club's first University of Kentucky alumnus - on the 2016 roster.

"It's just awesome to join Louisville City," DelPiccolo said. "When I was with Charlotte Independence in 2015, Louisville City was the best team we played and (coach James O'Connor) is the only coach I wanted to play for this season. It's a dream come true to come back to Louisville to play soccer again.

"I want bring in a great mentality and to compete, just like everyone else. This team is obviously so special and so strong. Last year, they were Eastern Conference finalists; this year the goal is nothing short of the championship."

After starting all four years with the Cardinals, DelPiccolo - a former Eintract Frankfurt, Montreal Impact and New England Revolution player - is the 20th member announced to coach James O'Connor's roster after LouCity finished its historic inaugural season in the Eastern Conference final.

The terms of the agreement are not disclosed, per Club policy.

"Paolo is someone that we have monitored for a long time," O'Connor said. "We are delighted to bring him home to Louisville. Paolo played an integral role whilst at U of L and he benefitted from the excellent program they have there.

"We all look forward to working with Paolo and watching him succeed in Louisville for a second time."

The 24-year-old versatile midfielder earned three youth caps with the U.S. - starting all three matches as a defender - at the 2008 Copa Chivas. He participated in development camps in Portugal in 2008-09 and was on the Under-18 roster in the 2009 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.

Starting 87 matches for the Cardinals, DelPiccolo helped lead Louisville to the 2010 NCAA College Cup final with five career goals. He was recognized as a first-team NSCAA All-Great Lakes honoree, BIG EAST All-Rookie Team member and second-team Soccer America freshman All-American. His 23 career assists - including six in three separate seasons - still rank as the University's all-time record. He also played alongside Louisville native and current New England Revolution defender Andrew Farrell.

The 6-foot-tall DelPiccolo was the 27th overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, but he signed with Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt before joining Montreal Impact. He made seven appearances with Frankfurt's Under-23 side, claiming one assist. He finally joined Montreal in July of 2013, scoring twice for the Impact's Reserve League side.

In November of 2013, DelPiccolo was claimed by New England in the Waiver Draft, but he never made an appearance with the first team. Between 2014-15, the Wheat Ridge, Colo., native appeared in 47 USL matches - for Arizona United and Charlotte Independence - with a pair of goals scored.

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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