#LOUVTBR: TALKING POINTS
1) Off to a solid start
LouCity is one of just three USL teams to collect six points in their opening two contests, as wins over Nashville SC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in March spurred the team’s fast start.
Head coach James O’Connor has been pleased with most of what he has seen but is most complimentary of his players’ attitudes:
“I think there have been passages of play that we’ve been pleased with, but there have also been other passages of play that we think we need to be sharper with. I think that the understanding is being enhanced.
It’s great to see the attitude of the players and how coachable they are. I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me. The guys are fantastic guys to work with and I feel privileged and very grateful to work with such great young men.”
2) on the road
The “Boys in Purple” had the luxury of two straight contests at Slugger Field to open the year, meaning their trip north to face F.C. Cincinnati in the Dirty River Derby will be their first test away from home.
With the intensity of a derby building, O’Connor noted his team is keeping all past performances in the past and only looking to what’s ahead in the future:
“For me, it’s just total focus on Cincy. We need to make sure we’re prepped and ready for that. They’ve obviously had a great start themselves, so it’ll be a very exciting game.
We love playing Cincinnati and I’m sure they enjoy the games as well. I think it’s great to have that regional rivalry. It’s a game we’re certainly looking forward to and I’m sure Cincinnati is, too.”
– Tickets vs. RICHMOND KICKERS | April 14 – Blackout Night –
3) F.C.C. OPENS HOME SLATE
Coming away from Nippert Stadium with points in hand is never an easy feat and Saturday’s home-opening occasion will only intensify the teams’ desires.
F.C. Cincinnati has collected two wins in two games, both 1-0 scorelines, against Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven on the road. Last Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, FCC came away with their one-goal win in front of 17,500+ fans.
4) NOTHING BUT RESPECT
As the build-up for Saturday continues throughout the week, O’Connor made it known that although he wants to see as many LouCity supporters as possible, maintaining a healthy respect for the opposition is paramount.
“We’re excited. We’re hopeful we’ll bring quite a few supporters up there as well. I think that the games and the rivalry with Cincinnati is something that we really enjoy and they really enjoy. It’s something that, from the league standpoint, that’s something they wanted to create—that regional rivalry.
For me, this is probably the biggest regional rivalry in the USL. There’s a real intense atmosphere at the games–whether it’s here or whether it’s there—and there’s a willingness to win from them and from us and that’s what you want. Everyone wants to win. We’re looking forward to the game.”
