LouCity looks to Lipscomb on Wednesday for midweek preseason tune-up.
A dominant performance against Northern Kentucky University last Saturday yielded a 4-0 win for the “Boys in Purple,” with a goal from defender Kyle Smith, a brace from forward Luke Spencer, and a last-gasp sweetener from midfielder Niall McCabe, who doubled his tally in preseason with his second goal in as many games.
Dropping last year’s preseason contest to the Bisons, LouCity looks to take one back midweek ahead of a Saturday night contest against USL side Saint Louis FC at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville, IN. Against NKU, a number of outfield players went the distance, begging the question of how much head coach James O’Connor will look to rotate his team with the regular season less than two weeks away.
When & Where
LouCity is excited to travel to Elizabethtown, KY, and Elizabethtown Sports Park for the second straight year! The third preseason match of the year, kickoff at Championship Field 10 is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. and fans can follow the match live on Twitter & Instagram.
CLICK HERE for a map of Elizabethtown Sports Park.
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Last Time Out
LouCity’s preseason schedule took them to Newport, KY to face Northern Kentucky University at NKU Soccer Stadium. Starting with and maintaining a high intensity through the first half, the “Boys in Purple” jumped out to a quick lead in the sixth minute via defender Kyle Smith‘s now infamous “knee goal,” before doubling their lead thanks to forward Luke Spencer‘s first goal of the night in the 15th minute. A brief passage of possession for the Norse then resulted in LouCity scoring its third goal of the night, this again from Spencer, a rifle of a rebound from close-in. Halftime came and went with LouCity up 3-0 and no changes made to the team from the first half.
A possession-based second half, the team poked and prodded in attack while shutting down a few opportunities for the Norse on the break. Like in last week’s win over Young Harris College, though, midfielder Niall McCabe had to add win near stoppage time, scoring the team’s fourth of the day off a quick restart.
O’Connor had this to say about the match:
“The first half produced some good play. The intensity was good, there were some nice passes. We still have things we thought could be sharper on and quicker with that we wanted to do in the second half, but we didn’t do it. Overall, we can be pleased with the first half but disappointed with the second half.”
Smith also emphasized that there is still work to do:
“Today was a challenge but we’re trying to adjust. We always have stuff to work on. We got tired and got a bit sloppy with our passes at the end there so we need to clean that up. Even when we’re tired, we have to stay focused and composed on the ball.”
From the Gaffer
On tonight’s match:
“The biggest thing for us in preseason games is always managing minutes, but we obviously want to win. Credit to Lipscomb last year, who took their opportunity last year but it’s certainly a game we’re excited to have and we have a lot of respect for Lipscomb and their program, but we’re looking forward to the game tonight for sure.”
On rotation:
“I think the guys that didn’t play 90 minutes [against NKU] will play 90 minutes tonight. That’s the plan, at least. There might be a couple of others that will go for a half or so, but for us, it’s about getting minutes in legs and managing how they feel. We’ve been on grass this week thanks to the facilities at Collegiate – they’ve been great in helping us. We just need to be mindful of everything.
All last week we went from a hard surface, which was turf, and then we’ve been on grass the last couple of days, and then we’ll be on turf again tonight. We’re just being mindful of that as well.”
On spreading LouCity to E-town:
“It means a lot to us [to be able to visit Elizabethtown]. We wanted to go to Lexington this year as well but unfortunately, UK was not able to fulfill the fixture, but the plan in the preseason was to try and get to those different parts of the state. The local community means a lot to us but the state community means a lot to us as well. We want to keep getting out there and showing people who their soccer team is and what we are about.”
On selection availability:
“The same three we are being cautious with – Brian [Ownby], Ilija [Ilic] and Alexis [Souahy] – they won’t be involved tonight.”
Team News
OUT – Brian Ownby (illness)
QUESTIONABLE – Alexis Souahy (leg)
QUESTIONABLE – Ilija Ilic (leg)
