Louisville City FC drew 2-2 with their neighbors to the north, Indy Eleven, in front of nearly 8,500 people inside a heated Slugger Field.
City’s goals came from Ilija Ilic and George Davis IV, whose fourth goal (on his birthday) also marked his 50th all-time in USL play, becoming the first player in club history to reach that mark.
The draw leaves them fourth in the Eastern Conference table, just behind the Charleston Battery and with two games in hand on leaders FC Cincinnati.
What Happened?
A packed Louisville Slugger Field saw fans come out strong despite nearly 90-degree heat and humidity.
LouCity’s start gave the fans the show they wanted with Ilija Ilic drawing a penalty in the fifth minute of the match. Stepping up to take, midfielder Brian Ownby powered an effort to the right of Indy ‘keeper Owain Fon Williams, only for the Welshman to prove equal to the effort producing an impressive save.
Instead, Indy would take the lead in the form of a Jack McInerney goal after 16 minutes. Not to be deterred, City would only need one minute to find its equalizer from Ilija Ilic. As midfielder Magnus Rasmussen danced towards the endline, he squared a pass for Ilic to open his foot on and plant in the back of the net.
However, Indy got right back on the front foot and found its second goal—again from McInerney—after 21 minutes. Chasing down a through pass, defenders Sean Totsch, and Paco Craig could not get to McInerney in time as he poked one past Ranjitsingh.
At the break, City trailed 1-2.
Starting the second half with gusto, City’s persistence in attack paid off when the birthday boy George Davis IV fired home a pass from Ilic—who turned from scorer to provider—to help push City back level.
Though the host side continued to try and break Indy down, they would not find another goal but kept the visitors at bay in earning another valuable point at home.
Louisville City FC will face a quick turnaround with a trip to New York to face Red Bulls II on the cards next Friday, August 10. City welcomes Nashville SC to Slugger Field for their next outing at home on Saturday, August 18, with tickets available for as low as $16 at www.loucity.com.
The Key Points:
- City forward Brian Ownby stepped up to the spot in the 5th minute after Ilija Ilic drew the foul, only to see his attempt saved
- Indy forward Jack McInerney opened the scoring in the 16th minute off a blitz at Louisville’s goalmouth
- City responded quickly thanks to a goal from Ilija Ilic, assisted by Magnus Rasmussen
- Heavy pressure on City’s defense by McInerney resulted in Indy’s second of the evening as the forward poked an effort by Greg Ranjitsingh
- Midfielder George Davis IV fired home an effort from close range for his 50th USL goal and City’s second of the evening
- Penalty saved by Ranjitsingh in the 75th minute on Eugene Starikov to keep the match level
Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)
OUT – Luke Spencer (knee)
Louisville City FC 2 : 2 Indy Eleven
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Slugger Field | Louisville, KY
90 degrees / sunny
Attendance: 8,437
Scoring Summary:
IND – Jack McInerney 16’
LOU – Ilija Ilic (Magnus Rasmussen) 17’
IND – Jack McInerney 21’
LOU – George Davis IV (Ilija Ilic) 60’
Disciplinary Summary:
IND – Karl Ouimette 41’
LOU – Oscar Jimenez 44’
IND – Eugene Starikov 74’
LOU – Brian Ownby 90+1’
Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Kyle Smith; Paolo DelPiccolo; George Davis IV, Devon “Speedy” Williams, Brian Ownby, Magnus Rasmussen (Niall McCabe 77’); Ilija Ilic (Cameron Lancaster 68’)
Bench: Chris Hubbard, Tim Dobrowolski, Shaun Francis, Pat McMahon, Luke Spencer
