TALKING POINTS: #INDvLOU
1) Lancaster rolling
Louisville City FC forward Cameron Lancaster has been on fire in and around the box since earning his first start of the season in Cincinnati on April 7. In five appearances, Lancaster has scored four goals (CIN, ATL, BSTx2), three of which have been assisted by his teammates.
On climbing the LouCity scoring charts to closer to top all-time, Lancaster did not hesitate to credit his teammates for their hard work in helping him find the back of the net.
“It’s always nice to be recognized individually but the main thing is the team. As long as the team is doing well, I’m happy,” he said. “We don’t really want to look too far ahead. We’ll take it game-by-game and we’ll look forward to next weekend and try to get the result again.”
2) ANOTHER TOUGH TEST AHEAD
Coach James O’Connor addressed the difficulties that lay ahead in traveling to Indianapolis this week. He referenced the atmosphere that Lucas Oil Stadium could potentially provide during the noon kickoff and what that may do to motivate the opposition.
“I imagine it’ll have a big impact. Obviously, for them to play in their own stadium in front of their own supporters against a local rival, they’ll be determined to put on a good show. I think obviously for them, being at home, there will be a desperation to go on and please their supporters and there will be a comfort level based on that environment,” he said.
“I think for us at noon, generally, you’re still training or on your way back from training. So pre-match meal needs to obviously be brought in and brought forward, so you’re eating your pre-match meal at eight-thirty in the morning, which is different [laughs]. So for the guys, trying to manage that and making sure we’re awake and that we’re sharp. It’s about managing that and making sure we’re aware of that and that everyone is comfortable.”
TICKETS: LouCity vs. Atlanta United FC 2 | Sat., May 19 at 7:30 p.m.
3) ATTITUDE AND EFFORT
Frequently alluding to how proud his team’s willingness to learn has made him this season, O’Connor also highlighted the great effort his crew has put in so far this season, and with a fantastic attitude.
“If you look at how hard the guys work and how focused they’ve been, that’s obviously played a key role in it. But, we’re always forward-facing so we’re always looking to the next game,” stated the gaffer.
“We need a good week’s training to make sure we’re prepped and ready to go for a really tough game. [Indy] has really good players, some players with MLS experience, a coach with MLS experience, so they’ve obviously gone and garnered a lot of experience in their technical staff and also in their playing staff, so it’ll be a big challenge for us.”
4) HELLO FOR THE FIRST TIME
Louisville City FC and Indy Eleven have crossed paths in previous U.S. Open Cup runs, but Saturday’s kickoff in Indianapolis will mark the first-ever league meeting between the pair after the latter joined the USL in the offseason.
Like many others this year, this will also be the first time the club plays at Lucas Oil Stadium with previous meetings being held at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium (USOC) and Arad McCutchan Stadium (preseason) in Evansville.
5) RECORD BREAKER?
Louisville City FC midfielder Niall McCabe has the potential to break one of the most cherished records a player can hold on Saturday. Should McCabe start or feature in the weekend’s match against Indy Eleven, he would earn his 76th appearance in a LouCity shirt, taking over the number one spot on the club’s all-time appearance chart in all competitions.
