OFFICIAL MATCH NOTES
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC and Eastern Conference newcomers —and geographic rivals — FC Cincinnati kick off the River Cities Cup on Saturday at FCC’s Nippert Stadium (7 p.m. |TICKETS – Section 104 for LouCity supporters). Saturday’s contest will surely be a fantastic match, serving as the exclamation point in the first stanza of the three-match regular season series.
“Our focus is the next challenge on our schedule: FC Cincinnati,” Louisville City coach James O’Connor said. “They’ve obviously started well this season; great credit to them for playing well on the pitch. For us, this is a case of looking after ourselves and achieving what we are going in there to achieve.”
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
Be Wary of Cincy’s Tactical Changes: In Cincinnati’s first three games, coach John Harkes’s side has started off in a 4-3-3. They’ve shown, however, that they’re not afraid to switch formations in the middle of the game. Harkes has experimented with a 4-2-3-1 and even a high-pressure 3-6-1 when his team is in possession. For LouCity to escape Cincinnati with three points, it’s important coach O’Connor and his team to be mindful of how FCC is lining up at any particular point.
Attack, Attack, Attack: Last week, LouCity rebounded with a four-goal explosion after conceding in the 5th minute against Orlando City B. How’d they do that? They pushed forward. LouCity lined their back four up high and kept the pressure on OCB, and it paid off. Against Cincy, this will be especially important. Due to Harkes’s risky tactics, there will surely be chances for LouCity to get forward in both possession and on counter attacks. For LouCity to win the rivalry match, O’Connor will look to stay true to his pressing roots.
Purple Mist: O’Connor has often said LouCity supporters are the best in the USL. That will be on display on Saturday, as LouCity expects many fans to make the journey up I-71 to Cincinnati. In what figures to be an intense match, having a little piece of home at Nippert should go a long way for O’Connor’s squad.
BONUS! Not Just Bragging Rights: Saturday’s game is much more important for both teams than just the right to brag. The match will have major implications on the Eastern Conference standings. Both LouCity and FCC currently sit with six points each thus far. Another early win for either team would go a long way in securing what figures to be a hotly contested playoffs spot.
Following the first round of the River Cities Cup, Louisville City FC will return to action on April 22 with a visit to the Harrisburg City Islanders. LouCity returns to Slugger Field on April 27 to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds (7:30 p.m. | TICKETS).
