By Caitlin Ladd, LouCity Insider
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Once again, the time has come for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Louisville City FC made its 2015 Open Cup debut against Lansing United during the second round. The first half of the match left both teams without a goal, with LouCity outshooting Lansing 6-4. LouCity roared into the second half, scoring in the 48th minute to take a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the match.
Lansing had an opportunity to equalize in the 88th minute, but the shot went high over LouCity’s goal, cementing LouCity’s road win and qualification for the third round.
Lousville City’s second match of the cup led the team to Indianapolis to face NASL-side Indy Eleven. The 90 minutes was spent fighting, but ultimately left both side wanting.
The first 15 minutes of extra time followed the same script, until LouCity shattered the scoring silence in the 115th minute. Indy threw itsself desperately forward for an equalizer, but a reinvigorated Louisville delivered its fatality in the 119th minute, advancing to face MLS’s Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire was the first MLS team LouCity faced in the Cup. Both teams offered solid chances on goal, but regulation again ended scoreless.
The Fire got a shot past Scott Goodwin in the 116th minute, effectively ending LouCity’s first Open Cup.
Coach James O’Connor knows how tough the Cup can be after last year and says that the team’s first match is a big game for them on Wednesday against NPSL-side Detroit City FC (7 p.m. |TICKETS).
O’Connor also says the cup games provide a great chance for the players in addition to regular USL matches. It offers the team exposure and new experiences playing against opponents they don’t normally face on the pitch.
“I think it presents an opportunity for us to give people a chance to show what they can do, but, equally, for us we want to win every game we play,” O’Connor said. “For us, it’s an opportunity to play well and perform well.”
Next up for LouCity is the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup second-round match on Wednesday against Detroit City FC at Bellarmine University (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.
