Louisville City FC captures second straight shield

Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Danny Cruz and local natives Aiden McFadden and Josh Jones lifted a piece of hardware on Saturday after Louisville City’s 1-0 win over Miami FC that secured the USL Championship Players’ Shield for the second straight year.

Cruz has been the head coach of the team since 2021 and previously served as the team’s technical director and an assistant coach. Jones (Hatfield, Pa.) won his first trophy as a professional, starting the decisive match along with McFadden (West Chester, Pa.) who helped the team win their first Players’ Shield in 2024.

Louisville City improved to 21-1-6 with the victory, which was sealed by an 88th minute goal from veteran Brian Ownby. Louisville City became the first team to win back-to-back regular season titles since Orlando City accomplished the feat in the league’s first two seasons (2011 and 2012). Orlando City’s USL franchise was moved to Louisville in 2015 ahead of their jump to MLS.

“It’s an incredible group of people,” Cruz said post-game. “Certainly grateful that I get to come to work every day with these guys. We’ve spoken plenty about the importance of the fact that it (the Players’ Shield) means that the playoffs run through (Lynn Family Stadium). I think that’s obviously critical, so really, really proud of the group. Proud of my staff. Proud of the players. But this is just the first step — we have a lot more to do.”

McFadden has played all 28 games for Louisville this season, has 4 goals and 4 assists and is fourth on the team in minutes with 2,008 minutes. Jones has 19 appearances and 15 starts as a rookie, logging 1,360 minutes and has a goal and two assists.