With just more than a week to go before Louisville City FC’s season opener, coach James O’Connor says he’s about 75 percent sure which players he’d field in an opening day starting lineup. Saturday’s final preseason test will go a long way in terms of making up the rest of O’Connor’s mind.
LouCity will make the two-hour bus trip West to meet the Indy Eleven, out of the North American Soccer League, at the University of Evansville’s Arad McCutchan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. local, with admission $5 at the gate.
“Part of our process is making sure the last game going into the season is a real test and great challenge. We know they’ll do that,” O’Connor said of Indy. “…It’s a game we’re looking forward to, and we’re appreciative of Evansville for giving us the platform to play there as well.
“It’ll be another market for us to go and show our brand to some supporters there who will come over and have the weekend in Louisville and see a game.”
FULL VIDEO | O’Connor previews Saturday’s game
LouCity has so far topped NCAA Division II Young Harris College by a 3-1 score and fallen 1-0 to Division I Lipscomb. With a scheduled game against the University of Kentucky canceled this week, O’Connor put his players through an extra instrasquad scrimmage as well.
The boys in purple have been in training for more than a month now leading up to a March 25 United Soccer League opener against Saint Louis FC at Slugger Field. In games, with a 20-player squad, O’Connor has subbed heavily at the half. The intrasquad scrimmages offered the chance for everyone to go a full 90 minutes.
“I think attacking-wise, we’ve shown some exciting things,” O’Connor said. “I think defensively, we’re still trying to figure out a couple of things in regard to position. I think, generally, for the new guys it’s quite a lot to take on board. Some have grasped it quicker than others.”
The Indy Eleven are a common foe for LouCity. The clubs have also played in the preseason the last two years and went on to meet in the U.S. Open Cup as well. Coached by Tim Hankinson, the Eleven started play in 2014 and posted their best finish last year, advancing to the NASL Final.
Both LouCity and the Indy Eleven will set up at Arad McCutchan Stadium with merchandise and tickets for their upcoming seasons. More than 1,000 attended on a chilly weeknight last year when the University of Evansville welcomed Saint Louis FC and Indy.
“It’s always great to have a professional game take place in our city,” said head UE men’s soccer coach Marshall Ray. “Last year, we were fortunate enough to host the first professional match in the history of Evansville, and we’re happy that Indy Eleven has agreed to come back again this year. With Louisville City, we’re going to be bringing in one of the best teams in the USL too. I’m looking forward to giving our fan base and the greater Evansville soccer community a chance to see a match at a higher level.”
