Danny Cruz joins Minnesota United staff after departing Louisville City
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Longtime Louisville City FC coach Danny Cruz is joining the staff of Major League Soccer club Minnesota United FC, the MLS team announced March 18.
Minnesota United hired Cruz, 36, as an assistant to first-year head coach Cameron Knowles, club officials said in a news release. Prior to his arrival in the Twin Cities, Cruz began his sixth season as LouCity's head coach, guiding the club in its first two regular season games, wins over Lexington Sporting Club March 6 and Miami FC March 14.
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In a statement provided by Minnesota United, Cruz said "the alignment was clear" when he met with the club's coaches and executives about taking up a new position. Minnesota is also just getting into its 2026 season, having already played four of its 34 regular season games.
"I'm looking forward to getting to Minnesota to support Cameron, his staff, and the players with everything I have," Cruz said.
LouCity previously announced Cruz's departure March 17. The club promoted assistant Simon Bird to interim head coach and named Paolo DelPiccolo, a former LouCity player who was most recently the director of the team's youth academy, as first assistant coach. The pair will debut in their new roles March 18 for LouCity's U.S. Open Cup match vs. Southern Indiana FC. The United Soccer League campaign resumes March 21 when Rhode Island FC visits Lynn Family Stadium.
In a statement he provided to LouCity for the announcement of his departure, Cruz said it is "very difficult to put into words the gratitude that I have for the city of Louisville."
“This club and community have felt like home for the past seven years. I want to thank (chairman) John Neace, the ownership group, (club president) James O’Connor, my staff, players, the front office and — of course, our fans — for the incredible amount of support my family and I have received over the years," he said. "It is never easy to say goodbye, but I feel like I have an opportunity that’s right for my family and me."
"I hope that over the years I have made you all proud. I know that I gave you all everything I had," Cruz continued. "The club remains in good hands, and I’m excited to watch it continue to do amazing things. I will remain forever grateful and honored to have been a part of a truly special place.”
Cruz originally joined LouCity as an assistant in 2018, the year the club won its second league title. As head coach, Cruz guided LouCity to an Eastern Conference trophy in 2022 and a Players' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record, in 2024 and 2025.
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at [email protected] or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Danny Cruz hired by Minnesota United after leaving Louisville City