Indiana University Athletics
Indiana’s Ballard Signs Contract with Louisville City FC
2/6/2017 12:11:00 PM | Men's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Former Indiana University men's soccer standout Richard Ballard signed a professional contract with Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League (USL) on Monday, the team announced.
"It's great to see that all the hard work that Richard has invested into his soccer career provide him an opportunity to play professional soccer," Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley remarked. "To have grown up in Louisville and now move back to play for his hometown professional team is a great moment for Rich and his family. Richard developed each year at IU and I am excited to see his continued growth in the years ahead. James O'Connor and his staff at Louisville City have signed a wonderful young man who will give everything to his club and city."
Ballard is the second Hoosier to join the professional ranks this season, as teammate Tanner Thompson was taken with the first selection (67th overall) in the fourth round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC last month.
The Louisville, Ky. native had his best season for IU in 2016, starting all 21 matches for the Hoosiers. Ballard totaled four goals and two assists on the year, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
For his career, Ballard appeared in 64 games for Indiana, earning 26 starts while scoring five goals and notching two assists.
For all the latest on Indiana University men's soccer, be sure to follow the team at @IUMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
#GoIU
"It's great to see that all the hard work that Richard has invested into his soccer career provide him an opportunity to play professional soccer," Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley remarked. "To have grown up in Louisville and now move back to play for his hometown professional team is a great moment for Rich and his family. Richard developed each year at IU and I am excited to see his continued growth in the years ahead. James O'Connor and his staff at Louisville City have signed a wonderful young man who will give everything to his club and city."
Ballard is the second Hoosier to join the professional ranks this season, as teammate Tanner Thompson was taken with the first selection (67th overall) in the fourth round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC last month.
The Louisville, Ky. native had his best season for IU in 2016, starting all 21 matches for the Hoosiers. Ballard totaled four goals and two assists on the year, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
For his career, Ballard appeared in 64 games for Indiana, earning 26 starts while scoring five goals and notching two assists.
For all the latest on Indiana University men's soccer, be sure to follow the team at @IUMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
#GoIU
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
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