Jonghyun Son signs with Louisville City FC
LOUISVILLE, Ky — South Korea youth national team product and Holy Cross College alumnus, Jonghyun Son signed with Louisville City FC for the 2016 season, the Club announced on Monday. The energetic holding midfielder becomes the sixth offseason signing for LouCity, becoming the 21st member of coach James O'Connor's roster.
"I am lucky and excited to join Louisville City FC," Son said. "Louisville is one of the best teams in USL and I am thrilled to play in front of such great fans. I've heard a lot about the supporters' passion in Louisville, and I'm excited to experience that.
"I want to bring my passion to the team and have it equal that of the supporters."
As a senior with the Saints of Holy Cross College, Son earned 2015 NAIA Men's All-Mideast Region first team honors. The Hoein, South Korea, native was the leader of a Saints defense, totaling nine clean sheets in 2015.
Son, who was named to the first team All-CCAC, provided an offensive presence as well. The 24-year-old scored a goal, and dished-out a pair of assists as a senior. The Saints made it to the semifinals of the CCAC tournament before falling to one of the nation's top-20 teams at Toyota Park.
Playing in a different role as a junior, Son started all 20 games and scored five times. In critical matches versus Cornerstone and St. Xavier, the South Korean scored the game-winning goals. The latter, being coming off of a free kick from 20 yards out less than two minutes into extra time, propelling the Saints to conference semifinals.
Son finished his collegiate career with six goals, six assists, and 18 points, to go along with his postseason accolades.
Entering the 2016 preseason this month, Louisville City FC has returned 13 players from the 2015 roster while adding new additions like Son and MLS Cup-winning forward Chandler Hoffman, University of Louisville alumnus Paolo DelPiccolo and University of Kentucky alumnus George Davis IV.
O'Connor and his team will begin training with a two-week camp at the state-of-the-art IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., before returning to Louisville for a four-game preseason schedule.
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.
*Article released from Louisville City FC*
Link to site's article - http://louisvillecityfc.com/loucity-signs-south-korean-youth-product-jonghyun-son/
Son's hardwork during the season and more importantly the off-season is the reason why he has been given this opportunity. Son would be the first to practice, and the last to leave. He sharpened his technical abilities every day in the gym and has continued to do so since his senior season has ended. The LouCity coaching staff was attracted to Son's ability to stay sharp even under pressure and his level of comfort with the ball at his feet.
What Coach Omar Gallo had to say -
"Words can't describe how proud I am for Son. Son has worked extremely hard both on and off the field. He came to us two years ago barely speaking a word of English and has accumulated over 3.0 GPA in his time here. The effort he has put in the classroom and studying English describes the individual and player he is on the pitch. Off the field he has been the face of the program volunteering his time with kids who have disabilities through US TOPSoccer program and has always been one to help out with local youth soccer clubs. On the field, he had a standout campaign as our leader. His ability to dictate the speed of play and ability to stay composed on the ball is one of the reasons why Holy Cross had succes. He's a great person that presents great character and I'm confident he will be successful at Louisville. Son signing with a professional team proves that no matter what division you are playing you will be granted the opportunity to play at the next level through hard work."