Photo by: Chris Carter | Louisville Athletics
Jones Signs Professional Contract with Louisville City FC
January 16, 2025 | Men's Soccer
The Louisville captain will start his professional career with the local USL club.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville men's soccer standout Josh Jones will be staying in The Ville to start his professional career.
The two-time Louisville captain has signed a contract with Louisville City FC of the USL Championship, pending league and federation approval.
Jones' signing adds to the Cardinals connection with the local pro club as he will reunite with former UofL teammate Ryan Troutman, a goalkeeper for LouCity. UofL's fourth-leading all-time goal scorer, Simon Bird, is also an assistant coach for the club.
"We are happy to keep Josh in Louisville after a very good college career here," said LouCity head coach Danny Cruz. "John Michael (Hayden) and his staff at UofL know what a professional environment is all about, and they do a great job of preparing players for what the next level looks like.
"Going into the 2025 season, we wanted to bring more size and strength to the back line, and Josh certainly gives us that. He is a player that we have been following for multiple years now, and we believe that in him we have added another important piece to the roster. I am looking forward to having him with the group and pushing him in his development to be the best version of himself."
Jones spent four seasons in a Louisville uniform, playing in 69 career matches with 65 starts. The four-year starter at center back tallied 11 goals and five assists during his career, with four game-winning tallies.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to join such an historic club," Jones said. "The city of Louisville quickly became home over the past four years, and I can't think of a better place to start my professional career. I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans and helping deliver a championship to Louisville."
The Hatfield, Pa., native was a two-time All-ACC selection, earning third team honors in each of his final two seasons. Jones was selected in the second round with the 47th overall pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake before returning to school for his senior season.
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The two-time Louisville captain has signed a contract with Louisville City FC of the USL Championship, pending league and federation approval.
Jones' signing adds to the Cardinals connection with the local pro club as he will reunite with former UofL teammate Ryan Troutman, a goalkeeper for LouCity. UofL's fourth-leading all-time goal scorer, Simon Bird, is also an assistant coach for the club.
"We are happy to keep Josh in Louisville after a very good college career here," said LouCity head coach Danny Cruz. "John Michael (Hayden) and his staff at UofL know what a professional environment is all about, and they do a great job of preparing players for what the next level looks like.
"Going into the 2025 season, we wanted to bring more size and strength to the back line, and Josh certainly gives us that. He is a player that we have been following for multiple years now, and we believe that in him we have added another important piece to the roster. I am looking forward to having him with the group and pushing him in his development to be the best version of himself."
Jones spent four seasons in a Louisville uniform, playing in 69 career matches with 65 starts. The four-year starter at center back tallied 11 goals and five assists during his career, with four game-winning tallies.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to join such an historic club," Jones said. "The city of Louisville quickly became home over the past four years, and I can't think of a better place to start my professional career. I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans and helping deliver a championship to Louisville."
The Hatfield, Pa., native was a two-time All-ACC selection, earning third team honors in each of his final two seasons. Jones was selected in the second round with the 47th overall pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake before returning to school for his senior season.
FOLLOW LOUISVILLE MEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow Louisville men's soccer on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @LouisvilleMSOC.
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