January 5, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC has added a young but experienced piece to its defense with the signing of Jake Morris, the club announced Friday.
Morris arrives after spending the back half of last season on loan from Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew to the USL Championship’s Loudoun United FC. The 24-year-old’s LouCity contract is pending league and federation approval.
“Jake is a strong, dynamic outside back that will bring another physical presence to our back line,” said coach Danny Cruz. “His delivery and ability to defend one on one were two traits that stood out to us as we started the recruitment process. He is coming from a winning culture in Columbus and understands what it takes to compete for championships.
“I want to continue bringing in players that we believe are hungry to improve every single day, and when we met with Jake it was clear that this would be a good fit for us. I am looking forward to getting Jake here and am excited to begin our work together.”
An outside back known for his left-footed service, Morris played in 12 Loudoun United games 2023, starting both of the club’s matchups against LouCity. That followed two first team Columbus Crew appearances during last year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native returned to Ohio at the end of the year and celebrated an MLS Cup victory alongside his younger brother Aidan, who started for Columbus in the championship game. Jake won a title of his own the year prior when Crew II prevailed in the first-ever MLS Next Pro final.
Previously, Morris appeared internationally for the United States at the U19 and U20 levels. He also played in the Seattle Sounders’ youth system before a trade to Columbus. Morris spent his collegiate years at Campbell University (2020-2021) after a stint at Tyler Junior College (2018-2019).
“I’m really excited to be here,” Morris said of joining LouCity. “I think the organization is really well-run. All the players know the game plan and style of play, so when they step on the field they know what their job is.
“I think my experiences at Columbus will benefit me here. Louisville City has a very similar philosophy with the way they want to play.”
Morris joins a returning core of 17 players from last year’s LouCity squad that made a run to the Eastern Conference Final. The boys in purple have also so far added three other newcomers to the roster: defender Arturo…