After Richmond defender Mallan Roberts rocketed a shot past goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh shortly before the half, the boys in purple found themselves in a familiar situation.
For the second game in a row, Louisville City lost the lead to the visiting side and needed second-half push to pull away with three points – the hosts didn’t disappoint.
“I think when you look at the quality that we have, it’s getting the ball to the key players and moving the ball quickly,” said head coach James O’Connor on his clubs ability to score.
With the 2-1 lead late in the second half, both Sean Totsch and Mark-Anthony Kaye took shots from well outside the box, something the club hasn’t seen much of this season.
The aggressive style of play came after rookie Richard Ballard took a shot just outside the box, only to be deflected by Cameron Lancaster, finding the back of the net and taking back the lead. The pressure poured on until the final whistle blew.
“I think at times tonight – not enough times, but we did it – throughout the course of the season we’ve played some really good football, and that’s testament to the players,” added Coach O’Connor.
Having wrapped up the 2017 regular seasons as the Eastern Conference champions, Louisville City will open the playoffs as hosts to Bethlehem Steel.
As for seeing more aggression as the playoffs begin, Coach O’Connor said he’s comfortable with his players taking shots from deep if the opportunity presents itself.
“If you can strike the ball well, then we’re open to that,” added Coach O’Connor. “I think the biggest thing is trying to get the players to understand the picture that’s in front of them, because the picture will always change.”
Here’s more from the match…
- LouCity posted its highest time of possession through the first fifteen minutes of any match this season with just under 75%. The club would eventually finished with 63.7% to the Kickers’ 36.3%.
- Defender Tarek Morad was given the penalty kick in the 33rd minute and a chance to record the first goal of Saturday’s match. After following up a deflection off the Richmond goalkeeper, Morad became the last of the field players to score a goal for the boys in purple.
- Louisville City begins post-season play as the hosts against eighth-ranked Bethlehem Steel. Kickoff is set for Friday at 7:30 pm.
