Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor expects a big crowd and atmosphere Saturday when his club hosts FC Cincinnati. Ticket sales to this point indicate he’s right.
O’Connor’s emphasis is his team keeping a level head for the 7:30 p.m. rivalry matchup.
“I think it’s very important we don’t let emotion get involved,” the coach said at his weekly press conference. “I think for us, we need to make sure we do our homework and get prepared for what will be a tough game.”
Saturday will mark the third meeting between LouCity and FC Cincinnati this year but the first in Louisville — and first at Slugger Field since a club-record 10,062 fans attending the 2016 matchup there.
LouCity will be fighting for its first win against the blue and orange this season having played to a 1-1 draw in USL play back on April 22. The rivals clashed again May 31 in the U.S. Open Cup, with the result a 1-0 FC Cincinnati victory.
O’Connor will let supporters handle the hype of a rematch.
“The biggest thing for us is making sure that we focus on the technical side and what’s needed to actually perform,” he said. “If the emotions start getting involved, all that starts to become a little bit awkward.
“…I think when you look at any rivalry game I think there will be a big crowd, be a big atmosphere. I think it’s making sure that you play the game and not the emotional side.”
Here’s more from O’Connor…
• On staying in touch with former LouCIty players Aodhan Quinn and Kadeem Dacres, who now play for FC Cincinnati: “I’ve got a good relationship with both the lads. I wish them all the best in the Open Cup. For us because we spend so much time with our players and we create relationships where we obviously want the best for them, then we’ll always maintain those relationships.”
• On his club’s performance at Charleston last Saturday: “I think we had enough chances to win the game. I just think there were a couple of instances where if our passing had been a little bit crisper maybe we would’ve created a couple more opportunities. I think the way it pans out, a 1-1 draw, you take it. But I definitely think we had a couple chances there that we could have capitalized on.”
• On Mark Kaye-Anthony competing with the Canadian National Team at the Gold Cup: “Obviously disappointed he didn’t get a run out the other night. So hopefully he’ll get a run out this week (Kaye started Tuesday night’s game against Costa Rica). But again, fantastic achievement for Mark to be able to go and to work as hard as he’s doing and to be involved in that level.
“So hopefully he’ll get a couple minutes on the pitch. But even if he doesn’t I think the whole experience of being at the Gold Cup and being in that environment and training with players like that, it’s good for him. And especially at that age — he’s young — so it gives him a lot of incentive to continue to work hard and continue to develop.”
