By now you’ve probably heard: Juan Guzman is taking his talents to Tunja, Colombia where he’ll join Patriotas FC in Colombia’s first division, Categoria Primera A. The midfielder started all but one league match for Louisville City in the club’s inaugural season, and many would argue was the glue that held the team together for parts of the season.

It was announced earlier in the year that Louisville City picked up the optional second year on Guzman’s contract, and the press release from the club indicates that his contract was released. If so, there might have been some kind of transfer fee paid for the release, which is good for the club. It’s obviously a good move for Guzman as he gets to play first division soccer in his home country. Patriotas is a fairly new club, founded in 2003, but it’s seen some good results thus far, making several league finals without being able to pick up any silverware. They’ve been in the first division since 2012, and presently sit midtable after twenty games, just five points out of second place (first looks pretty wrapped up).

There’s no pretty way to paint this, losing Guzman seems like a big blow. Juan was arguably one of the best defensive or central mids in the USL last season, and did a great job for Louisville City. I’m confident that Guy Abend and Aodhan Quinn are up to the task, but a position that once seemed fairly sown up now might lack some depth. None of the new signings so far this season carry reputations as defensive midfielders except maybe Mark-Anthony Kaye, and he’s more of a wide player than a central one.

[Jurgen Klinsmann voice] So yeah, it’s a real bummer, but that happens in soccer and you just have to keep getting better. Also, Landon Donovan sucks. [/Jurgen Klinsmann voice]

Sorry, don’t know what came over me there. We’ll miss Juan, but I don’t think Louisville City is finished making roster additions. Keep hitting refresh (it makes us look good!) and we’ll probably tell you about another new signing in a day or two.

COME ON CITY