
Kyle Morton caught coach Danny Cruz’s eye the multiple times his squads took on Louisville City FC as the goalkeeper’s command on his area, communication with his teammates and big save ability stood out from Cruz’s vantage point along the touchline.
Naturally, when LouCity found itself in the market this offseason for a new No. 1, Cruz’s memory served him well. Morton, 27, was available – and perfect for what Cruz wanted in LouCity’s system. He’s an aggressive keeper known for his sweeper mindset and good distribution, exactly how City needs its shot-stopper to play.
After a competitive preseason, Morton is in line to start LouCity’s season opener against Atlanta United 2 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium.
“When we played against him numerous times in Saint Louis (and Pittsburgh), you could see it game in and game out,” Cruz said. “We’re excited he’s going to be wearing our colors.”
The newly-engaged Morton, who proposed to his fiancée under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis after City’s final preseason match, leads a talented goalkeeping corps into the 2022 campaign. The group also includes Parker Siegfried, who made nine appearances last season, and new signing Danny Faundez. They’ll be working together to replace long-time City keeper Chris Hubbard, who retired over the offseason after 45 career appearances with the boys in purple.
A native of the Philadelphia area, Morton arrives to LouCity with a strong goalkeeping pedigree. He trained and played in the Philadelphia Union Academy before starring at James Madison University, where he was an all-conference selection three consecutive seasons.
He ultimately found regular work in the USL Championship, and he has compiled 20 clean sheets in 47 appearances between the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Saint Louis FC and, most recently, on loan to Memphis 901 FC. Morton’s 13 shutouts in 2019, including one against LouCity, helped Pittsburgh post the third-lowest goals allowed in the league.
“He’s been very, very good,” captain Paolo DelPiccolo said. “He’s just a solid goalkeeper.”
As you might imagine, competing against City helped Morton develop a healthy respect for the club. The veteran goalkeeper on Monday noted “the winning culture” at City, saying the club has two league trophies since 2017 “and there’s a reason why.”
Morton, working through his fifth preseason as a pro between MLS and the USL Championship, said he has a process for integrating into new teams.
“Coming in, you want to prove to the guys they can rely on you,” Morton said. “I feel like I’ve done a good job this preseason in getting to know them on and off the field.”
And the on-field fit? That was straightforward. City wants him to be aggressive; Morton plays aggressive.
“Kyle Morton has earned the starting position,” Cruz said. “He’s done a really good job. It’s the way we want to play. (It’s) not easy for a goalkeeper to come in and pick up on the different movements and tactical things we’re looking for, but Kyle’s been making big saves. He has been good with his feet. We’re excited to see him on Saturday.”