Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor recognizes his fortune in having seven players returning for their third season with his club. Leading a team of 20 in all becomes easier when the veterans are there to help new talent transition to LouCity.
“People get used to their surroundings, get used to each other, get used to the movements,” O’Connor said.
With three weeks of training down, LouCity has a chance to show how well its team has bonded so far when the club kicks off a preseason game at 11 a.m. Saturday. NCAA Division II Young Harris College is in for a meeting at the club’s training ground at Thurman-Hutchins Park.
The game is closed to the general public but will be attended by a select group of season ticket holders. Follow @loucityfc on Twitter for in-game updates.
LouCity opened training last month at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where O’Connor stressed base fitness and injury prevention. Now, the coach’s attention has turned to tactical strategies of his style, based on keeping possession and wearing down opponents.
“We had a great two weeks in Florida,” said forward Ilija Ilic. “…I feel good.”
“It’s making sure those aspects are being ticked,” O’Connor added, “and the goal is to get the players exactly where we want.”
After Saturday’s game, LouCity has three more preseason tests before its March 25 United Soccer League opener against Saint Louis FC.
The club will on March 8 meet NCAA Division I Lipscomb on at the Elizabethtown Sports Complex before traveling to play the University of Kentucky on March 15 in Lexington. Both of those games are open to the public free to attend.
LouCity will close its preseason slate March 18 by matching up with the North American Soccer League’s Indy Eleven at the University of Evansville’s Arad McCutchan Stadium. Admission is $5 at the gate.