Xavier University Athletics
Men's Soccer Alum Luke Spencer Signs with Louisville City FC
02.09.17 | Men's Soccer
Spencer spent the 2016 season with FC Cincinnati
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Former Xavier men's soccer standout Luke Spencer was officially signed to a professional contract with Louisville City FC of the USL on Thursday, joining the club after spending the 2016 season with FC Cincinnati.
After impressing at a tryout, Spencer will compete for minutes in Louisville with returning strikers Cameron Lancaster and Ilija Ilic.
"I first noticed Luke last year we were at IMG Academy for preseason," said Louisville City FCÂ head coach James O'Connor. "He's someone who we've kept an eye on since then. He didn't get a lot of playing time in 2016, but we think he's got great attributes. He showed that in the invitation tryout. He's got great desire and character, which is part of the criteria we're looking for, and we think he's very capable. I'm delighted to have him on board."
Spencer made 11 appearances with FC Cincinnati last season, logging 64 minutes while backing up USL MVP Sean Okoli.
"Luke gives us another option," O'Connor added. "He's different from Cameron and Ilija, which I think is important. He's probably more of an attacking forward. This gives us three strikers with different strengths."
Spencer originally came to XU via Winton Woods High School and was the first Xavier soccer player to be taken in the MLS SuperDraft when he was selected 23rd overall in 2013 by the New England Revolution.
Spencer had a career-year as a senior in 2012, helping the Musketeers reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cincinnati-native scored 14 goals, leading the Atlantic 10, and had eight assists. He finished his career with 29 goals and 21 assists, while his 79 points still rank third in program history.
He was named to the Atlantic 10 First Team and NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic First Team in 2012 after leading the A-10 -- and ranking in the nation's top 25 -- in points per game and total points.
The 6-foot-2 forward was the lone striker during the final three years of his career, spurring the Musketeers to two Atlantic 10 Championships and three-straight NCAA Tournaments.
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After impressing at a tryout, Spencer will compete for minutes in Louisville with returning strikers Cameron Lancaster and Ilija Ilic.
"I first noticed Luke last year we were at IMG Academy for preseason," said Louisville City FCÂ head coach James O'Connor. "He's someone who we've kept an eye on since then. He didn't get a lot of playing time in 2016, but we think he's got great attributes. He showed that in the invitation tryout. He's got great desire and character, which is part of the criteria we're looking for, and we think he's very capable. I'm delighted to have him on board."
Spencer made 11 appearances with FC Cincinnati last season, logging 64 minutes while backing up USL MVP Sean Okoli.
"Luke gives us another option," O'Connor added. "He's different from Cameron and Ilija, which I think is important. He's probably more of an attacking forward. This gives us three strikers with different strengths."
Spencer originally came to XU via Winton Woods High School and was the first Xavier soccer player to be taken in the MLS SuperDraft when he was selected 23rd overall in 2013 by the New England Revolution.
Spencer had a career-year as a senior in 2012, helping the Musketeers reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cincinnati-native scored 14 goals, leading the Atlantic 10, and had eight assists. He finished his career with 29 goals and 21 assists, while his 79 points still rank third in program history.
He was named to the Atlantic 10 First Team and NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic First Team in 2012 after leading the A-10 -- and ranking in the nation's top 25 -- in points per game and total points.
The 6-foot-2 forward was the lone striker during the final three years of his career, spurring the Musketeers to two Atlantic 10 Championships and three-straight NCAA Tournaments.
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 SOCIAL MEDIA |
NEWS: #LouCity signs forward Luke Spencer (@luke_spenc) -- a former MLS SuperDraft pick -- for the 2017 season https://t.co/IsKDHnjfm1 pic.twitter.com/Su81JTlYFe
— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) February 9, 2017
New #LouCity signee Luke Spencer's highlights: goals, goals and more goals for @XavierMSOC. ? pic.twitter.com/dBwRKL2Oby
— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) February 9, 2017
A message to #LouCity fans from new signing @luke_spenc... pic.twitter.com/DuSCkt4xLT
— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) February 9, 2017
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