LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed academy standout Issac Cano to his first professional contract, making him the latest in a line of players completing the club’s path from its youth ranks. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Cano previously joined LouCity’s First Team roster as a USL Academy signing during the 2023 USL Championship season. The 19-year-old forward is the sixth LouCity Academy player to sign with the club following Owen Damm, Carlos Moguel Jr., Sebastian Sanchez and brothers Elijah and Josh Wynder.

“We firmly believe in the pathway that we have here at this club and the holistic approach that we take in the development of these kids," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "To continue to see our ownership's vision with the academy come to fruition in such a short period of time is a testament to the work that our academy coaches do and the approach that we take as a club. My hope is that we continue to see these young players take advantage of the opportunity that they have here at Louisville City.

“We're proud to sign Issac to a pro contract. He is a young player that we have seen continue to grow in our first team environment. He is a fearless competitor who wants to learn and improve every day.”

From Lexington, Ky., Cano made his First Team debut last July when he started in LouCity’s international friendly against Mexico’s Atlante FC. He had previously appeared in preseason play and continued to log minutes throughout the year in USL Academy League games.

“We are extremely proud of Issac for earning a contract with the first team," said LouCity Academy Director Luke Spencer. "Issac has always been a skilled player, but it has been his desire, determination and ability to learn that has allowed him to get to this point. He has worked tirelessly through adversity to achieve this goal, and he has been a joy to work with during his time with the academy. We are excited to watch him as he begins his first year as a pro.”

Cano played his prep soccer at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where as a senior he scored 34 of his team’s 89 goals and won the 2021 state championship.

"I’m forever grateful to the academy and to all of my coaches who have not only made me a better player but ultimately a better person," Cano said. "This has been a long journey, and to become a professional player is something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid. To finally achieve it is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to get started.”