By Quin Welch, LouCity Insider | Photos by Alena Schuckmann
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Wednesday marked the third day of Louisville City FC’s four-day invitational trials. As one would’ve expected, the intensity picked up considerably as the camp is winding down. LouCity coach James O’Connor said he was pleased with how the players bounced back after a bit of a slow day on Tuesday.
“The intensity was better today,” O’Connor said. “We thought the intensity yesterday was a bit low. We’ve been pleased with the work ethic.”
Rocking and Rondo-ing
Consistent with O’Connor’s style of play, LouCity’s technical staff had the players participate in a possession-based Rondo-esque drill for much of the two-hour session. In the drill, the players stood in a circle and passed the ball around as many times as possible, while a few ran around the circle, trying to steal the ball. The 15-v-3 game forced the trialists to move the ball quickly, accurately and with as few touches as possible.
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O’Connor said he and his staff were keen to see who could keep possession of the ball.
“We’re looking for awareness and we’re looking for who can keep the ball,” O’Connor said. “Who has the ability to play 1-touch, 2-touch? Who sees a pass? Who keeps giving the ball away? Who gives it away and who doesn’t chase it back?”
Divide & Conquer
In addition to the possession drills, trialists were split into two groups. One group focused on technical work and ball control, while a smaller group worked on crossing-and-finishing drills against LouCity goalkeeper Scott Goodwin.
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“Over the course of the four days, we wanted to give everyone an opportunity to try and impress,” O’Connor said. “You’re obviously looking for different techniques: side-foot, power, who can score.”
It’s Coming Together
All in all, O’Connor said he feels happy with how the trials have gone and has a good idea of who has a chance and landing a spot as a part of the LouCity squad.
“After three days, we’re getting a clearer picture of who can do what and what the skill set is,” O’Connor said. “You start to do a few more technical drills to see what the players’ technique is like.
“We’re very pleased with how it’s gone.”
Looking Ahead
Entering the 2016 preseason this month, Louisville City FC has returned 13 players from the 2015 roster while adding new additions like 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.
