Today Louisville City FC announced their newest addition to the roster, and you won’t believe it but it’s another midfielder! UofL fans will be glad to know that their university’s all-time assists leader Paolo DelPiccolo will be wearing purple in 2016.

I’ve never made it a secret that I’m a UK guy, but I can be reasonable. Del Piccolo is a really good player, and I’m a little surprised he wasn’t renewed by his former USL club, Charlotte Independence, last season. After a great 2012 season with UofL where DelPiccolo led the Cardinals to a Big East conference title and the quarterfinals of the College Cup, he signed a contract with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. Paolo made seven appearances for Frankfurt’s second team and scored a goal, but wasn’t renewed, so came back to the States and made the Montreal Impact and New England Revolution rosters in 2013 and 2014 but never saw playing time. After being cut by the Revs in 2014, he ended up playing for Arizona United that same year and appeared in 27 games before heading to Charlotte last season (20 appearances, one goal).

Paolo of the Piccolo is a midfielder by trade, but it seems more likely this was a signing that will address our sudden question mark in central midfield rather than as an attacker (though he can do that, too). His MLS Combine scouting report makes him out to be more of a central midfielder, and my recollection of his time at Charlotte is that he filled that role for the Independence as well. He’s also got some experience as a defender, having played that role for some U.S. Youth National teams before turning pro.

Perhaps most importantly, Paolo brings some strong hair game to Louisville City. Sure, Matt Fondy’s Hair has earned its place at the top of the pecking order, but Paolo’s coif is bound to earn some respect and admiration among the purple fans this season. Strong hair game, strong soccer game, I always say. That’s why Enrique Montano’s the USL’s favorite player.

Welcome to Louisville City, Paolo DelPiccolo! We’re glad to have you back in the Falls City.