Louisville City FC has hired Scott Budnick as its newest full-time goalkeeper coach, the club announced today.
Head coach John Hackworth originally brought Budnick into the fold as interim goalkeeper coach in August, and after another successful season which culminated in the club’s second-consecutive USL Cup, “Hack” moved to make the position permanent:
“A mutual friend of Scott and mine, Mike Matkovich, introduced us. We needed a volunteer at the time and were glad to give Scott that opportunity when we were headed into the final stretch of the season. He got along so well with Greg, Chris, and Tim, and his quality backs up his character. We’re excited to have him with us on a full-time basis now.”
On joining Louisville City FC, Budnick said:
“I’m excited to formally join Coach John Hackworth’s technical staff and I wish to thank Coach Hackworth and President Brad Estes for the opportunity. I look forward to continuing to work with our goalkeepers and the rest of our group towards a third star in 2019.”
After a strong four-year career at the College of William and Mary, Budnick’s professional career began with the Richmond Kickers and the Hampton Roads Hurricanes in the USISL. The 47-year-old later spent time in the English and German lower divisions before playing in the MLS with the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion, eventually retiring with the New England Revolution in 2000. Budnick also represented the U.S. at the U-18 and U-20 levels, participating in the U-20 CONCACAF qualification tournament in 1990.
Since returning to Louisville in 2007, Budnick has been active in the local soccer community. Budnick managed the Louisville Lightning of the Professional Arena Soccer League, winning Coach of the Year honors in 2010. He has assisted the U.S. Soccer YNT Identification Center Program for the Kentucky, Indiana and southern Ohio regions and is involved with the U.S.Y.S.A. Region II and Kentucky ODP programs. Budnick has also assisted the Trinity and Assumption high school programs and presently coaches local select youth teams. Budnick resides in Louisville with his wife, Shannon, and their two children, Koepler and Dillon.
Budnick joins assistant coach Danny Cruz to round out the technical staff.
Budnick will again join Louisville City FC with the 2019 preseason set to begin in early February with a trip to renowned training facility IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
