Former WSOC Star Headed to LA -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Karsyn Cherry Signs with Angel City FC

The NWSL eliminated its traditional draft process as part of its most recent collective bargaining agreement, making the 2025 collegiate soccer season the second to not end with players hoping to hear their names called to play at the next level. Instead, players are free to sign anywhere that they have an opportunity to play, whether that is in the US or beyond. Louisville graduated a number of seniors with a lot of experience, so we'll be keeping an eye out for more announcements, but their multi-year captain was the first to find a spot in the NWSL.

Karsyn Cherry was among three rookies signed by Angel City FC, the NWSL team that calls Los Angeles home. Coincidentally, all three signees came from the ACC, as Cherry joins FSU midfielder Taylor Suarez and Duke midfielder Carina Legeyre. Cherry signed a three-year contract with the team, which she says she is "excited and grateful to be able to play for". Cherry heads to LA after an incredible career at Louisville, which included 5,610 minutes played over 69 career games with 68 starts. Cherry scored in her first career start as a freshman in 2022, which marked the first of her 12 career goals with the Cards. 

Cherry (r) with fellow SR defender Lizzie Sexton

Cherry was part of a 2025 defense that helped Louisville go undefeated at home and posted 12 clean sheets. She scored three goals as a senior, down on her previous two seasons, but still good for seventh on the team. One of those goals was a game winner, and she added four assists for good measure. Behind Erynn Floyd, Louisville is likely to miss Karsyn Cherry more than any other player on the field next season, so it's great to see her getting an opportunity to show her skills at the next level. 

Coincidentally, Cherry isn't the only player who spent last year in Louisville to be headed to LA. Ary Borges left Racing Louisville as a free agent at the end of the season and was announced as a signee by ACFC earlier this week as well. Angel City finished the 2025 season standings in 11th, out of 14 teams. They posted a -10 goal difference on a 7-13-6 record, and they were nine points out of a playoff position. What I'm getting at is that they definitely have room to improve, and there may be an opportunity for new players like Cherry to make an early impact. 

We're wishing a huge congratulations to Karsyn and hoping for success in her next chapter. As I said at the top, Louisville had a lot of key contributors graduate, so we'll keep you posted on any other advancements. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case