Aspiring soccer players at Louisville City FC’s open tryouts later this month will have on them eyes of more than the club’s technical staff. There, too, will be the player head coach James O’Connor hopes they emulate.
Kyle Smith, named the United Soccer League’s Midseason Rookie of the Year after discovered at last year’s LouCity tryout, plans to be on hand Dec. 17 when the next round of prospects show off their skills.
“I know what all the players are going through, and I know from their perspective what it takes,” Smith said. “If someone’s there who’s good, I might be able to help the coaches out and see the talent.”
Signups remain open through Friday, Dec. 9. Players 18 and older are eligible to compete at Collegiate Fields, 4515 Champions Trace Lane, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A non-refundable $150 fee for each participant is due at the time of registration. The cost includes two training shirts to be worn at the tryouts.
Smith, a Cincinnati native, played college soccer at Division III Transylvania University before trying out for LouCity leading into both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. It’s likely that LouCity players other than Smith will attend the tryouts to assist O’Connor and Daniel Byrd, his assistant coach.
Participants will receive more tryout information from the club after registration closes. Contact LouCity’s director of operations, Brandon Morris, at bmorris@louisvillecityfc.com with any questions.
O’Connor heads overseas
With 13 players under contract for 2017, LouCity coach James O’Connor left recently for a two-week trip to Europe, where he’s aiming to sign more. But that’s not the only objective.
O’Connor said he’ll also spend time honing his craft by observing staffs at English Premier League clubs Stoke City F.C. and West Bromwich Albion F.C. The former midfielder suited up for both sides during a 20-year playing career that ended in 2014, when LouCity hired O’Connor as its first head coach.
“I’m looking to figure out new and different ways to win,” O’Connor said. “Coaches at that top level certainly have a lot of pressure and need to find ways to win. I’ll spend some time seeing how they operate.”
O’Connor took a similar overseas trip while piecing together LouCity’s inaugural roster.
LouCity’s returners have played at every position on the pitch, but O’Connor has said he’s seeking a left-footed left back. He’ll also look for help at striker and in the attacking midfield.
The search has narrowed significantly from its start. Since the week after LouCity’s 2016 season ended, O’Connor and assistant coach Daniel Byrd have closely evaluated more than 100 prospects.
“It’s busy,” said O’Connor, a native of Ireland scouting his home country. “There are so many games you go and watch. If we can get a couple of the lads we’re trying to sign and pick up some tips, it will be beneficial for next season.”
Dacres taking his MLS shot
One of LouCity’s original signees, Kadeem Dacres, doesn’t plan to return in 2017 after carving out a niche on the club’s right wing. Dacres will pursue a Major League Soccer roster spot during the offseason.
The New York native tallied 3 goals and 3 assists in 2016, but beyond the numbers flashed speed and technical ability to consistently work past opponents.
In a recent tweet, Dacres called his two seasons with LouCity “unforgettable,” adding that he’s “wishing the club nothing but the best moving forward! Once again thanks for having me.”
Dacres hasn’t mentioned a specific destination for next year. It’s likely he’ll go on trial starting in January for a term that will run through LouCity’s preseason the next month. O’Connor calls the those two weeks of practices a “critical period” for which he wants all players present.
