LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC is currently preparing for its third match of the season, against Orlando City B on Saturday (Kickoff 7:30 p.m. | TICKETS), after winning its first match against the Charlotte Independence and stumbling against New York Red Bulls II.
The middle of the park will be a focal point for coach James O’Connor and Co. as they host their first night game of the season at Louisville Slugger Field.
How will LouCity approach the game?
Coach O’Connor seemed pleased with his team’s effort against Charlotte nearly two weeks ago, and a lot of it had to do with his team’s impressive attack — which often materialized in the midfield.
LouCity possessed the ball for much of the Charlotte match and produced some great chances, many of which came from midfielders Mark-Anthony Kaye and George Davis IV. Kadeem Dacres came in for Davis in the second half and immediately created chances. The New York native won a free kick that Cameron Lancaster scored — and won — off of.
LouCity’s forward-thinking attack will look to get into gear quickly on Saturday, turning a quick transition from defense to attack through the midfield.
OCB coach Anthony Pulis, son of West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis, employs a defensive style that proved effective against the Charlotte Battery in a scoreless draw last Saturday. Despite playing with 10 men after Tony Rocha picked up his second yellow card in the 50th minute, the first-year club escaped with its first-ever point. It’ll be important for the LouCity midfield to push forward despite Pulis’s defensive ideology
2 Keys
LouCity captain Aodhan Quinn should be on full alert against Orlando City B.
With Pulis’s style, OCB will try to lull LouCity to sleep before sneaking a cheap goal. Quinn will need to make sure his team is communicating during every moment of play.
In addition to Quinn, the wings will be important against OCB.
No matter who LouCity puts on the wings, one thing is for sure: There will be pace. Whether its Dacres, Kaye, Davis or Niall McCabe, O’Connor’s team will look to spread the field by racing toward the endline and looking for a cross toward the goalmouth. Adding to the pace and purpose of the Louisville City wingers, fullbacks Jonghyun Son and Kyle Smith will look to overlap along either touchline to create more opportunities.
Kicking Off
Louisville City FC returns to action this Saturday with the season’s first home night game at Louisville Slugger Field, set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against new Eastern Conference foe Orlando City B (TICKETS). The el Jimador Tequila Pitch Party will get things started at 5:30 p.m.
