January 10, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC has signed academy standout Issac Cano to his first professional contract, it was announced Wednesday, making him the latest in a line of players completing the club’s path from its youth ranks.
The 19-year-old forward already spent the 2023 season on a USL Academy contract, allowing him to train with and play for the first team. His pro deal for the 2024 campaign is pending league and federation approval.
“We firmly believe in the pathway that we have here at this club and the holistic approach that we take in the development of these kids,” said coach Danny Cruz. “To continue to see our ownership’s vision with the academy come to fruition in such a short period of time is a testament to the work that our academy coaches do and the approach that we take as a club. My hope is that we continue to see these young players take advantage of the opportunity that they have here at Louisville City.
“We’re proud to sign Issac to a pro contract,” Cruz added. “He is a young player that we have seen continue to grow in our first team environment. He is a fearless competitor who wants to learn and improve every day.”
Cano is the sixth LouCity Academy player to sign with the club following Owen Damm, Carlos Moguel Jr., Sebastian Sanchez and brothers Elijah and Josh Wynder.
“We are extremely proud of Issac for earning a contract with the first team,” said the LouCity Academy’s director, Luke Spencer. “Issac has always been a skilled player, but it has been his desire, determination and ability to learn that has allowed him to get to this point. He has worked tirelessly through adversity to achieve this goal, and he has been a joy to work with during his time with the academy. We are excited to watch him as he begins his first year as a pro.”
From Lexington, Kentucky, Cano made his first team debut last July when starting in LouCity’s international friendly against Mexico’s Atlante FC. He had previously appeared in preseason play and continued to log minutes throughout the year in USL Academy League games.
Cano played his prep soccer at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where as a senior he scored 34 of his team’s 89 goals and won the 2021 state championship.
“I’m forever grateful to the academy and to all of my coaches who have not only made me a better player but ultimately a better person,” Cano said. “This has been a long journey, and to become a…