NEW PLAYER ALERT + PURPLE PRESS! It’s a good thing I waited until 10:00 a.m. today to write this edition of the Purple Press because I would then have had to write TWO articles today, and I am much too important busy lazy to do that.

This morning, Louisville City announced the signing of former Louisville Cardinal, Seattle Sounder, San Jose Earthquake, and Nashville something Jimmy Ockford to the club’s roster for 2020 and perhaps beyond. Ockford played most of his college career as a forward, but has spent most of his club career as a central defender. He also played some fullback at Nashville during his loan stint there last season, as you may recall. I noted yesterday that defense was an area of need for LouCity going into next year, and so this addition helps to address that.

Ockford, at 6’1″ 185″ is one of the more solid physical players in the USL, but he’s not short on offensive chops, either. MLSsoccer.com’s scouting report says:

When it comes to sturdy, stand-up central defenders, Ockford is a prototype. He’s not the tallest defender at 6-foot-1, but his mobility, buoyed by years as a forward, helps him stand out among even the top defenders in MLS. Capable of covering a broad range between both fullbacks, Ockford’s distinguished himself throughout his career as a quality man-marker capable of reaching just about any threat.

City now has 18 players signed for 2020, and that’s before Hackworth & Co. find the next Luis Suarez at this weekend’s tryouts. Getting business done before the end of the year is super helpful for preparing for the next one. My hat is off to the front office for getting this deal done while also engaging in full new stadium preparations mode at the same time.

Now some links:

Have a great day!