Louisville City Signs Former Chicago Fire and Chivas USA Man Matt Fondy

Orlando City SC’s USL PRO affiliate, Louisville City FC, announced the signing of Matt Fondy on Wednesday. Fondy, a 6-foot-1 forward, has played in MLS with Chivas USA and, most recently, with the Chicago Fire. He becomes Louisville’s second signing with experience in the top American league, along with defender Conor Shanosky. Fondy has experience at the USL PRO level as well, playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the LA Blues.

"Matt is an incredibly talented forward who will make an immediate impact leading our attack this season," Louisville Head Coach James O'Connor said. "He's had a taste of the MLS and is someone who is capable of playing at that level. I've admired his work ethic and passion for the game, and am extremely excited to have him with us for our inaugural season."

The Foster City, CA, native was a 2009 Division III All-American at the University of California-Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!), before turning pro in 2011 with the Riverhounds.

Not only does Fondy bring an incredible mane to Louisville in 2015, he brings a tremendous goal scoring prowess at the USL PRO level. In his time with LA in 2013, Fondy scored 10 goals in 10 games and recorded two assists, helping the Blues to the quarterfinals of the USL Pro playoffs. For his efforts, he was named to the USL PRO "Team of the Week" four times over a six week span.

He was not as successful on the MLS level, however, failing to score in 16 appearances between Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire, including one start. Fondy was also a trialist with the San Jose Earthquakes.

As the second ex-MLS player to sign with Louisville City so far, Fondy promises to be one of the more talented players to take to Louisville Slugger Field in the upcoming season. He has strong finishing skills, and will rely considerably on the service he receives from the likes of Kadeem Dacres and Juan Guzman in the upcoming campaign.

Fondy is Louisville's seventh signing so far, joining Guzman, Dacres and Shanosky along with defenders Adam West, Sean Reynolds and Guy Abend.

Fondy's 10 goals in 10 games streak with the LA Blues:

Schedule "99% Complete"

Louisville City FC owner Wayne Estopinal put out some welcome schedule news via twitter this week. The club has been alluding to a schedule release for what seems like decades now, but apparently the work is nearly done. Keep up with The Mane Land and follow me on twitter to get the news as soon as the schedule drops.

"What do they look like, Jimmy?"

If you're wondering where you've heard of Matt Fondy's Alma Mater, UC-Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) before, your friend Milby is here to help (link is NSFW).

"Dorks. They look like a couple of dorks."

See you next week.