By Quin Welch, LouCity Insider | Photos by Alena Schuckmann
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Monday was a big day for 16 players, as they trained in front of Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor and his technical staff as part of the Club’s four-day invitational trials.
Former college, professional and semi-professional players took part in the first day of the trials. O’Connor said he was impressed with the level of competition he saw on Monday morning.
“We’re really pleased with the intensity,” O’Connor said. “Obviously it’s the first day of four, but we’re really pleased with the quality of the work … Really pleased with the first day.”
Finding the Match
O’Connor said he and his staff have an idea of what they are looking for in the players vying for a roster spot — both as soccer players and as people.
“It’s not just one thing that you’re looking for,” O’Connor said. “‘Does he fit the profile we’re looking for?’ And you’re looking for character, attitude and mentality.”
The hopefuls competed in several drills during the two-hour session, one of which was a simple game comprised of two teams who tried to keep possession of the ball as long as possible. In addition, the players went both 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 in a drill against a man LouCity supporters may recognize: goalkeeper Scott Goodwin.
Goodwin also stood in goal during a crossing-and-finishing drill that required each attack to utilize the full width of the pitch before delivering the through ball.
“Scott’s just a sucker for punishment,“ O’Connor said. “Scott’s tremendous. He’s shown great leadership since he’s been here and he’s someone we have huge respect for and we’re delighted to see him back in action.”
Headstarters
Goodwin wasn’t the only member of the 2016 roster on the field on Monday. LouCity new signings Mark-Anthony Kaye and Jonghyun Son — who’s signing was announced on Monday afternoon — got some work in.
“I think Mark-Anthony just wanted to train; he has great enthusiasm, which is what we want,” O’Connor said. “With Son, we wanted to get him into the environment and get him training as soon as we could.
“And we’re happy we did. Both looked good in action”
Cameron Lancaster, who was sidelined in LouCity’s inaugural season after suffering a knee injury, trained as well and looked sharp on the ball. O’Connor stressed the importance of getting the former Tottenham Hotspur man back on the pitch.
“It’s important that we get Cameron back and try to ease him in,” O’Connor said.
The trials will resume on Tuesday.
Looking Ahead
Entering the 2016 preseason this month, Louisville City FC has returned 13 players from the 2015 roster while adding new additions like Son, Kaye and MLS Cup-winning forward Chandler Hoffman, University of Louisville alumnus Paolo DelPiccolo and University of Kentucky alumnus George Davis IV.
O’Connor and his team will begin training with a two-week camp at the state-of-the-art IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., before returning to Louisville for a four-game preseason schedule.
Louisville City FC will begin regular season play on March 26 at Charlotte Independence. LouCity then returns to Louisville Slugger Field on April 2 to host New York Red Bulls II in the home opener, with a special 3 p.m. kickoff.
Fans can stay up to date with all of Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s official website.
