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USL Louisville City FC

LouCity Signs Towering Dutch Forward Pouwels

May 2, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release


Louisville City FC will add a new element to its attack this season with the signing of 6-foot-7 forward Maarten Pouwels, the club announced Tuesday.

The Dutchman's contract is pending league and federation approval. Upon receiving his visa and moving to Louisville, Pouwels will become LouCity's tallest field player player ever rostered.

"We're thrilled to be able to sign Maarten after tracking him for almost a year," said coach Danny Cruz. "Our scouting process shows he is a player that, from a data perspective, fits really well in our game model. After going through the interview process, we also feel he will be a great fit in our locker room.

"While most people will look at Maarten's size, for us it was his quality on the ball and ability to bring his teammates into the game with holdup play that stood out. We are looking forward to getting him here to start his integration with our group and introduce him to our amazing city."

The 24-year-old Pouwels - pronounced like "Martin Pow-uhls" - played most recently for Almere City in the Netherlands' second division. He scored 7 goals and added 2 assists during the 2021-2022 campaign before making 14 more appearances this season.

The center forward has played professionally since 2018, when he moved from SV Dalfsen - a youth club in his hometown - to Go Ahead Eagles, another second division club at the time. Pouwels notably scored with his first touch of the ball in his pro debut, nicking in a cross in a Go Ahead Eagles win.

Also among his career highlights is a 2020-2021 stint at SC Cambuur, which won the league.

"I have played five years in the Netherlands, and I think this is the right time and Louisville City FC is the right club to make a move," Pouwels said. "I was looking to go abroad, and this situation felt good from the start as Louisville presents a fresh start and the chance to earn more minutes.

"I've met some staff members, and they made a great impression. I can tell I'm joining a solid club with a great stadium and fan support."

LouCity, which is off this weekend coinciding with the Kentucky Derby, resumes its season at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13, when hosting Miami FC.

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