Juuuust after we published yesterday, the club announced the returning roster (so far) for 2020:

Goalkeepers (1): Chris Hubbard
Defenders (5): Oscar Jimenez, Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Akil Watts
Midfielders (5): Paolo DelPiccolo, Napo Matsoso, Niall McCabe, Magnus Rasmussen, Speedy Williams
Forwards (5): George Davis IV, Antoine Hoppenot, Brian Ownby, Luke Spencer, Abdou Thiam

First, I’m impressed so many guys are coming back. Most of these are players I expected to return, with one or two surprises given what I thought were contract situations. This is a great core of players, many of whom have been on the field for the past three USL Championship finals, and all of whom have been a big part of the run-ups to get to at least one. It speaks volumes about the club that they’re all ready and willing to give it another go in 2020.

The only glaring omission from the returnees is Paco Craig. Paco didn’t sign back with LouCity until almost spring of this season. Rumor was he was trying out for some MLS clubs or perhaps even some clubs in the Football League over in England, which somehow didn’t work out for him. My personal opinion is he wasn’t too pleased with that development, which may have had some impact on his play early in the season. Thankfully he became his old self as the season wore on. Nonetheless, he must have only signed a one year deal for 2019 because if the club had an option to extend that contract, I’m sure they would have done so.

I’m not at all surprised not to see Shaun Francis, Richard Ballard, Geoffrey Dee, Tim Dobrowolski or Sunny Jane among the returnees. Franno is by all accounts a great guy but was never quite what Hackworth (or O’Connor before him) was looking for at left back. Richard Ballard may have either called it a career with all of his injury troubles, or may be looking for another opportunity elsewhere. Geoff Dee did well in one Open Cup appearance but struggled when playing against more professional competition. I don’t blame Dobro a bit for wanting a fresh start and a chance for starting minutes elsewhere. Sunny never quite fit into Hackworth’s system and was often too unpredictable on the field to earn more minutes.

With sixteen returning players (assuming no one gets bought), that leave five or six open roster spots for the inaugural season at Lynn Family Stadium. Ty Smith’s obvious candidacy aside, I’m excited to see some new, hopefully young and hungry players with something to prove join LouCity this offseason to help Morados make another run in the Championship. Let the offseason officially begin!