University of Louisville men’s soccer head coach Ken Lolla announced Thursday the signing of Haji Abdikadir and Louka Masset to financial aid agreements and both newcomers are expected to compete for the Cardinals in 2018.
A native of Kenya, Abdikadir signed with the Cardinals following a stellar prep career for Louisville Collegiate School. The talented forward was chosen as the 2016-17 All-USA Prep Player of the Year as well as the Gatorade Kentucky Soccer Player of the Year while leading Collegiate to the quarterfinal round of the 2016 state tournament. Abdikadir, an incoming freshman for Louisville, was also selected as a United Soccer Coaches All-American after scoring 40 goals with 12 assists during his junior season.
Masset inked with Louisville after two standout seasons for Southern New Hampshire University, an NCAA Division II program. A native of Paris, France, Masset was an NCAA All-Region First Team honoree and a Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team selection during his sophomore season in 2017. A center back for the Penman, Masset was also named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team in 2016. Massett will have two years of remaining eligibility at Louisville.
The Cardinals closed the 2017 season with a 13-2-5 record after suffering a heartbreaking 4-3 shootout loss to Akron in an NCAA Championship quarterfinal match at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium. Under Lolla’s guidance, Louisville reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championship for the second straight season and the fifth time in the last eight years.
Fans can follow Louisville men’s soccer on Twitter (@UofLmenssoccer) at http://twitter.com/uoflmenssoccer and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UofLmenssoccer.
Garett Wall
Assistant Sports Information Director
Baseball | Men’s Soccer | Rowing
University of Louisville Athletics
