January 8, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Forward Sam Gleadle with Monterey Bay FC
(Louisville City FC, Credit: Monterey Bay FC)
Louisville City FC completed a paid transfer with Monterey Bay FC to acquire versatile defender Sam Gleadle, the clubs announced Monday.
The 27-year-old Gleadle boasts six years of USL Championship experience and will arrive to Louisville after registering a team-high 6 assists to go with 5 goals last season at Monterey Bay.
Terms of the transfer were not disclosed.
“We are excited to welcome Sam and his family to Louisville,” said coach Danny Cruz. “He’s a guy that is a danger from the sideline with the engine and pace that we want to get up and down the field no matter the system. He is a versatile player that we have seen play many different positions throughout his career. A big thing that stood out in looking through his footage since he has been in the league was his ability to get forward even when playing in deeper positions. We are excited to get to work and happy that we could get this deal done.”
Born in England, Gleadle moved with his family to the United States at a young age. He went on to play collegiately at the University of New Mexico before stints professionally at Reno 1868 FC (2018-2020) and San Antonio FC (2021).
Having signed with Monterey Bay for its inaugural season, Gleadle experienced a breakout 2022 campaign. He scored a career-high eight goals – including one at Lynn Family Stadium in a victory over LouCity – adding 3 assists, 23 chances created and 18 interceptions. Gleadle at one point in the year made three straight editions of the USL Championship’s Team of the Week.
While Monterey Bay fell short of qualifying for the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs, Gleadle started April 25 as his former club knocked off Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
“My agent and I were reaching out to some teams I was interested in and, of course, I think every player should be interested in Louisville City,” Gleadle said. “I wanted to take a step in a good direction for my career. With how big this club is, I think I’m doing that. Hopefully I can show myself well and help bring a championship to Louisville.”
Gleadle will move to Louisville with his wife, Hayley, and their baby boy, Arie. He marks LouCity’s fifth new addition for the 2024 season, joining reigning USL Championship Defender of the Year Arturo Ordóñez, forwards Adrien…