LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC will compete against Saint Louis FC in the Kings Cup on Saturday at Louisville Slugger Field. On Wednesday, coach James O’Connor, striker Chandler Hoffman and goalkeepers Scott Goodwin and Greg Ranjitsingh met with the press to discuss the team’s impressive form and the upcoming rivalry match.
JO’C
James O’Connor on his expectations for the match vs. Saint Louis: Obviously, we’re expecting a very tough game in a big derby game. Saint Louis have started the season very well. Dale Schilly’s a very good coach and they had a good result at Sacramento Republic and a good result last week (against Swope Park Rangers). For us, the derby game at home is something we should definitely be looking forward to.
O’Connor on the rivalry with Saint Louis: They were difficult games last year (against Saint Louis). This year, we’ve got a rivalry with both Saint Louis and Cincinnati, so I think for us, it is making sure that our focus is concentrating on what we can concentrate on. For the fans, it’s a big game and a big occasion, so we’re looking forward to it.
O’Connor on his team’s impressive performance in a rivalry match against Cincinnati: I want (the players) to focus on the game and not the occasion. For us, it’s making sure that we stick to what we plan to do and not letting the occasion getting to us. It’s focusing on what we can do to win the game. It’ll be a tough game for us.
O’Connor on his players’ performance this season: I think the striker will always get a lot of credit for putting the ball in the back of the net, and deservedly so, but I think we’ve had some big performances from quite a few of the guys and I think it’s important we maintain that. We try to make sure there’s no complacency and that people understand that effort needs to be every day, not once in a blue moon.
O’Connor on Chandler Hoffman’s seven-goal start: I think he’s taking his chances very well. He’s very clinical. He doesn’t leave too many opportunities to score. With Chandler, he’s intelligent and he’s got good game understanding. He’s been very clinical and in the opportunities he’s had, he’s tucked them away and taken them, which is great for us to see.
O’Connor on having two proven goalkeepers in Scott Goodwin and Greg Ranjitsingh: It’s a big bonus for us. Competition isn’t just something we want in the goalkeeper position, it’s something we want across the field. When someone gets that opportunity (to play), they have to take that opportunity and perform.
O’Connor on the similarities between Goodwin and Ranjitsingh: They’re both very good shot stoppers and they’re both very good communicators. I think they’re very similar in how they play. For us, it’s fantastic that we have two goalkeepers that are so strong but will support each other in the way they do.
Greg
Greg Ranjitsingh on keeping two clean sheets in a row and making USL Team of the Week:Getting the Team of the Week honor is a good individual accomplishment, but I think it comes from the team. Getting a clean sheet as a goalkeeper is a team effort and I think credit goes to all of them as well.
Ranjitsingh on showing what he can do: For a goalkeeper, only one can play. All of last year, Scott pushed me in training. I think I’ve been ready. The opportunity presented itself, I took it and I’m happy with that.
Ranjitsingh on the competition at goalkeeper:The goalkeeper unit we have here is great. We push each other every day in practice, we joke around, so it’s all good. The competition is healthy so he and I have a good relationship.
Scotty
Scott Goodwin on Saint Louis: We know it’s a quality opponent. We had some good games last year and we expect it to be a tough match.
Goodwin on coming home after a long road trip: It’s going to be great. Any time you go on a road stretch like that you’re itching to get back home. Slugger’s obviously an incredible place to play so we’re looking forward to it.
Chandler Hoffman on LouCity’s recent form:It’s huge to go into Toronto when they bring down eight first-team guys and to win 2-0. I thought we played really well and controlled the game. Against Bethlehem, we had our chances to score the goal and we were a little bit unlucky to not get a winner there. So we need to carry that form into this weekend and keep separating ourselves at the top of the table.
Hoffman on the cohesion between him and his teammate: The key thing has been working with my teammates and understanding where my runs are and where I like the ball in the box. For me, it’s finding the space off the center backs and doing a lot of video work to find where there’s going to be space for me to exploit. Thankfully, I’ve been able to put them in the back of the net.
Hoffman on increased attention from opposing defenders:Coming in, I’m sure they have a game plan to limit our chances as a whole. Since I’m at the top of the lineup, they’re definitely highlighting me. The main thing is that we have guys that can score from all of our attacking positions. So if there’s more attention on me, it just opens up opportunities for other guys.
Hoffman on playing for O’Connor: I’ve really enjoyed playing for James. The style he likes is high pressure and putting the other team on the back foot. For me, it’s been great to win the ball in the other team’s half and being able to create chances.
Coming up
LouCity renews its Kings Cup rivalry with Saint Louis FC on May 14 (7:30 p.m. | TICKETS) before kicking off the Club’s second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at Bellarmine University on May 18 (7 p.m. | TICKETS).
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.
