Jonathan Lintner

@JonathanLintner

In a move that finalized its opening day roster, Louisville City FC on Monday announced it has signed three trial players who have been with the club since last month's preseason training trip to Florida.

The additions of midfielder Kyle Smith, forward Kenny Doublette and defender Paco Craig bumped coach James O'Connor's total players available to 23 ahead of Louisville City's March 26 opener.

"They have all come through the preseason and each have warranted a contract with us," O'Connor said. "It will take time for them to get used to the speed of play and intensity, but all three have a willingness to learn which is important."

Smith, a Transylvania product who caught O'Connor's eye at an open tryout, scored 18 goals in his final college season. Five of them were game winners.

Doublette, a native of Haiti, came to the United States in 2007 and won a Division II national title at Southern New Hampshire in 2013. He scored 23 goals and tallied 13 assists at the school in three seasons.

Craig played at the same school as current Louisville City standouts Ilija Ilic and Niall McCabe, Georgia's Young Harris. The native Englishman scored 17 goals and assisted 14 others in three seasons.

Each player's deal with Lousville City FC marked their first professional contract.

"I've been working hard to try to make it to the professional level and the hard work has paid off," said Smith, a Cincinnati native. "...I look forward to playing in front of passionate fans that show unbelievable enthusiasm for the team. I also feel extremely blessed for this opportunity because I know many people do not get the chance to play soccer for a living."