A Louisville City FC attacking midfield that impressed in the United Soccer League season’s opening two weeks will add more depth this weekend with Mark-Anthony Kaye returning from a stint with Canada’s U-23 national team.
Kaye played 90 minutes in both appearances for his home country, contributing to a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan and a 2-0 victory against tournament host Qatar, which also has the 2022 World Cup.
“It’s always good to get call-ups. It adds experience to your game, and it’s just good to see different levels of the game,” said Kaye, back to training with LouCity ahead of a 5 p.m. Saturday away game against the Richmond Kickers. “I’m happy to be back, and I’m excited to get on the road and hopefully have a good performance in Richmond.”
Kaye, a Toronto native, had the chance to be seen by Octavio Zambrano, Canada Soccer’s new head coach. Zambrano has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including a trip to the MLS Cup Final as an LA Galaxy assistant coach.
Kaye, who also played for the U-23s at a tournament in 2016, said he brought traits from LouCity with him to the recent camp.
“He liked my intensity,” Kaye said of Zambrano. “I think that’s kudos to the culture we have here with James (O’Connor) and stuff and always working hard.”
The midfielder also received some feedback: a need to improve his right foot and not depend as much on his preferred left.
Still, the future is bright for Kaye. His performances could open doors to a full call up. The U-23s represent the highest level other than the national team itself.
“I’m delighted for Mark that he was able to go and play so well,” said O’Connor, LouCity’s coach. “Great little bit of a profile there for himself, and now he comes back in here to us. We’re really pleased. He’s showing again what we’re really happy with.”
Kaye re-joined LouCity after the club posted a 3-1 victory over Orlando City B, following up a dominating — but scoreless — performance in the opener versus Saint Louis FC. He’ll now have to battle for playing time with three attacking midfielders who started both the games so far in 2017: Richard Ballard, George Davis IV and Brian Ownby.
“When the team’s doing well, it’s not easy to get into the lineup,” Kaye said. “I just have to buckle down and work hard. That’s what James likes, and hopefully I can get back into the lineup.”
