Former Cardinals Now Professionals Reflect On Their Time At Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The dream for every University of Louisville men's soccer player is to play the game they love at the professional level. For three former Cardinal student-athletes, Geoffrey Dee, Daniel Johnson and Paolo DelPiccolo, they met Wednesday night (May 29), to battle it out as professionals on their former collegiate pitch at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium on the campus of UofL.

Dee and Del Piccolo represented Louisville City FC, while Johnson was playing as a member of the visiting Birmingham Legion FC. In a third round matchup of the U.S. Open Cup, Louisville City came out on top 1-0, but for the former teammates to play against one another, it had a special meaning to return home.

"It meant everything to me to be back at Lynn Stadium for a night," Johnson said. "I have incredible memories here and it is emotional being able to walk out through that tunnel again. I just wanted to savor the moment."

Louisville City plays only a select number of games at Lynn Stadium, so playing at a premiere, state-of-the-art soccer stadium is never lost on Dee or DelPiccolo. "It's amazing to play games at Lynn. The facility itself is so incredible and I feel pride knowing the success we had while I was at UofL helped build it," DelPiccolo says. Dee added, "Playing at Lynn is special. I have lots of great memories and big wins here".

Dee is the newest pro of the bunch, signing with Louisville City on March 6, after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from UofL in the fall of 2018. He looks back on his time at Louisville as one that helped prepare him for the professional ranks "UofL and the men's program treat you like pros and teach you how to take care of little things like treatments and diet, that become more and more important at the higher level."

Johnson spent two seasons with the Cardinals after transferring in, and became the 11th pick of the Chicago Fire in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

"The environment at UofL is already one that emphasis professionalism and treats players like they are professional before we reach that point," Johnson says. "The discipline in training and off the field instilled in us by the staff while I was at Louisville prepared me for the professional game extremely well. I was ready to jump right in to the demand of the training and schedule that the professional game provides."

DelPiccolo is the veteran of the three, having made the jump to the pros seven years ago when he was drafted in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He came back to finish his UofL degree in 2016, earning a Bachelor of Science in sport administration. "UofL prepared me because I was able to play every day with great players," DelPiccolo said. "We all pushed each other to get better."

As all three former Cardinals reflect on their time as professionals, each realize how special it is to call themselves pro soccer players. "My experience as a pro has been amazing," Johnson says. "It is a dream come true to play at this level and achieve something I worked my whole life for. It's a plus that the thing I get paid to do is also something I love so much, so I feel very fortunate that I'm able to wake up every day and do this."

For Dee, it is all about getting his career started, "My best experience as a pro personally, was my first open cup start. As a whole, competing day in day out with guys that are talented and love the game."

When DelPiccolo looks back on his years in the professional ranks, it has been one of highs and lows. "My experience as a pro has been all over the place. In the seven years I've been a pro, I've experienced everything. I've played abroad in Germany, I've won championships, and I've been released from teams. It has been a little bit of everything in my career."

When asked about what advice they'd give to current and future Cardinals, each emphasized to work hard and enjoy the collegiate experience. Dee offered student-athletes should "Take advantage of everything the program is blessed to have. Treat every day as a day to get better and listen to all the information and coaching taught to you".

DelPiccolo suggested keeping it simple, "You've just got to work hard and keep moving up". For Johnson, it's not just about soccer, but about enjoying the entire ride. "Trust your coaches. Trust the process. This is a marathon not a sprint. Whatever the sport, stick with the process and be patient, opportunities will come. Make the most of your time off the field. Throw yourself into the classroom. Take time to enjoy your social life, and remember that college is a special time! These are the years you're going to remember forever."

For the latest on Louisville men's soccer, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's social media accounts on Twitter @UofLMensSoccer, Facebook /UofLMensSoccer, and Instagram @UofLMensSoccer.

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Former Cardinals Now Professionals Reflect On Their Time At Louisville

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