By Quin Welch, LouCity Insider
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After a rainy victory against the crosstown University of Louisville, Louisville City continued its unbeaten 2016 preseason. Up next is the University of Kentucky Wildcats (Wednesday | 7 p.m. | FREE admission) at UK’s Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex. Admission is free for the friendly.
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Three Things To Watch:
Narrowing the Squad?: LouCity Coach James O’Connor has said he likes the preseason because he has a chance to rotate the squad, combine different players and give all of his players a chance to see the field. However, the UK game will mark LouCity’s third preseason game out of four. It will be interesting to see whether O’Connor whittles down the team or if he continues to experiment with his roster.
GD4: The Big Blue Return: In January, Louisville City announced the signing of George Davis IV, formerly of the USL’s Richmond Kickers. Before his professional career, however, Davis played college soccer for Kentucky. It should be interesting to keep an eye on Davis as he returns to play against his alma mater.
Who’s Gonna Score?: During this preseason, nearly every player not named Scott Goodwin or Greg Ranjitsingh has looked like they were capable of scoring a goal at some point. Against SIUE, Chandler Hoffman converted a penalty chance, while Conor Shanosky and Tarek Morad (both defenders) scored off set pieces. Multiple LouCity players got good looks at the goal against the University of Louisville, but in the end, Kadeem Dacres saved the day for his team in the 79th minute. For the Kentucky game, it should be interesting to see what player(s) are putting balls in the back of the net.
The Wildcats had a solid 2015 campaign, ending the season 12-5-2. Kentucky finished first in Conference USA, going an impressive 7-0-1 in conference play. They made the NCAA Tournament, but stumbled in the first round against Drake. Kentucky finished its season ranked No. 36 in the nation.
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Entering 2016, Louisville City FC has returned 13 players from the 2015 roster — including reigning USL Goal of the Season winner Aodhan Quinn and former English Premier League striker Cameron Lancaster. New additions include MLS Cup-winning forward Chandler Hoffman, University of Louisville alumnus Paolo DelPiccolo and University of Kentucky alumnus Davis.
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Louisville City FC begins 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.
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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.
