James Joseph McLaughlin III (born April 30, 1993) is an American soccer midfielder who most recently played for USL Championship side Louisville City. He began his professional career in 2012 as a homegrown player for MLS side Philadelphia Union. However, after two years without seeing much playing time, he spent 2014 and 2015 on loan to the Harrisburg City Islanders of the United Soccer League (USL). McLaughlin left his native Philadelphia in 2016 to sign with USL expansion club FC Cincinnati. He became a fan favorite in Cincinnati and made 91 appearances through the club's first three seasons. As FC Cincinnati moved up to MLS for the 2019 season, he was signed to an MLS contract, but missed the entire season recovering from knee surgery. After a period of uncertainty, the club renewed his contract for the 2020 season. Youth and college McLaughlin spent three seasons with Union Youth Development Affiliate FC Delco. In 2010–2011, McLaughlin led the club with 16 goals in 24 appearances. Following his stint with Delco, McLaughlin committed to Colgate University. In his freshman year, McLaughlin was one of only six players and the only freshman to start in all 22 matches for Colgate during the 2011 season. On August 27, 2011, McLaughlin scored in his first collegiate start in a 1–0 win over Syracuse University. He finished the season with one goal and three assists in 22 appearances and was named 2011 Patriot League Rookie of the Year. Professional career Philadelphia Union On December 12, 2011, McLaughlin signed with the Philadelphia Union as the club's second homegrown player. He made his professional debut on May 29, 2012, coming on as a sub for Freddy Adu in a 3–0 win over the Rochester Rhinos in the third round of the 2012 U.S. Open Cup. He made his MLS debut on October 24, 2012 coming on as a sub for Danny Cruz in the 73rd minute during a 1–2 loss against Sporting Kansas City. Harrisburg City Islanders McLaughlin had been regularly loaned out to the Philadelphia Union third tier affiliate, Harrisburg City Islanders. The affiliation had loaned McLaughlin out sparingly until the 2014 season where he was sent out on a season-long loan. The move made McLaughlin an integral player in the Islanders campaign. He shared the team golden boot in 2014 with six goals and helped the Islanders through the USL playoffs ultimately finishing runners-up in