Louisville City FC has yet to so much as draw with the New York Red Bulls II. But perhaps a chance of scenery will help.
Sunday’s game will be played at New Jersey’s Montclair State University rather than Red Bull Arena, where the teams have previously met, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.
Here’s what to watch for…
Tune In
TV: WDRB-TV (channel 41) will air the game live and in high definition locally with Lincoln Rose and Bruce Silverman on the call.
Radio: TJ Walker (play-by-play) and Jeff Milby (color commentary) will voice the action on NewsRadio 840 WHAS, with pregame coverage starting at 3:45 p.m.
Streaming: Watch live via the USL Match Center or at www.loucity.com.
Follow Along
For Starting XI information and in-game updates, check us out on social media. It’s @loucityfc on Twitter, Louisville City FC on Facebook and louisvillecityfc on Instagram. Vote for the Modelo Man of the Match on Twitter starting in the 75th minute.
Links
• LouCity looking for redemption against Red Bulls II
• Videos: Coach O’Connor, players preview the game
• Kaye named to Canadian squad for upcoming friendly
• Ranjitsingh returns in a big way at goalkeeper
• Ballard’s strike leads LouCity past Charlotte
Notes
Glance at the table: In its first home game since April 29, LouCity dominated possession and shots en route to a 1-0 Wednesday over the Charlotte Independence. The victory boosted the club to the No. 3 spot on the table. LouCity still holds games in hand over most of the USL Eastern Conference, but boasts 19 points by way of a 5-1-4 record. The Red Bulls are fourth with a 5-5-2 record and 17 points on the season.
Hometown hero: Richard Ballard’s goal in Wednesday’s victory was more than just a tally on the scoreboard; it was a breakthrough. The Louisville native and DuPont Manual High School graduate also scored in U.S. Open Cup play but had a goal coming in the USL. He has appeared in nine of LouCity’s 10 games and has made four starts. Following Wednesday, he’s twice a Modelo Man of the Match award winner.
Ownby’s accolades: On Tuesday, the USL named Brian Ownby to its Team of the Week for his performance in a 4-4 draw last weekend at the Charleston Battery. The goal that helped get him there — and ultimately rallied LouCity from two goals down in the second half — earned Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week on Thursday. Both of Ownby’s goals this year were struck with his left foot.
Return to Red Bulls: Devon “Speedy” Williams’ first two seasons as a professional were spent on the New York Red Bulls II roster. The midfielder played in last year’s Eastern Conference final against LouCity and, for his role in helping the side win regular-season and playoff titles, is expected to receive a championship ring on Sunday. Williams has settled well with LouCity as a holding midfielder often seen advancing the ball forward.
Earning his keep: Goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh — who spent the opening stretch of the season recovering from a hip flexor injury — recorded his first clean sheet of the season Wednesday in just his third game back. Ranjitsingh didn’t have much to do until the 85th minute, when he cleared three consecutive chances on goal. Then, in stoppage time, he batted away two more crosses to preserve the shutout before the final whistle.
Kaye’s call: LouCity will be without midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye on Sunday as the Toronto native enjoys an extended stay with the Canadian National Team. Kaye, 22, recently earned his first call up and will be on the 23-man squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Curacao in Montreal. The game is meant to be a sendoff — and proving ground — with the CONCACAF Gold Cup ahead.
Know the foe: Red Bulls II haven’t been quite as dominant as in 2016, but many familiar faces remain. Reigning USL MVP Brandon Allen leads the squad with seven goals in 10 games, while Vincent Bezecourt and Junior Flemmings have also both scored multiple goals. Evan Louro has made the most appearances in goal, but Ryan Meara will presumably be available Sunday.
Injury report: Striker Luke Spencer has returned to training after leaving the first half of LouCity’s May 31 U.S. Open Cup game with a tweaked hamstring. After sitting out two subsequent USL games, Spencer will be available Sunday at New York.
