As the “Boys in Purple” departed the pitch for the locker room at Slugger Field on Saturday night, the mood resembled frustration, bordering on anger. Seemingly odd, given that they’d just pulled off a much needed 4-1 victory over a playoff-contending Charlotte side. Those that only saw the score would not understand how a team coming off a 4-0 loss, playing with 15 rostered field players, and no true coaching staff, could be disappointed with this result.
Lou City had played well the entire match, opening the scoring in the 21st minute on a beautiful through ball from Ilija Ilic to Niall McCabe, who finished with ease. In the second half, the defense was impeccable as the visitors would manage only 5 touches in the penalty area during the match. Ilic finished from the spot in the 72nd minute after Brian Ownby was fouled in the area; Cameron Lancaster added his 10th goal of the season on a slotted ball from the top of the box in the 81st minute, assisted by Speedy Williams; And finally, George Davis IV received a delicate pass from Magnus Rasmussen and played a ball off the left foot in the 87th minute to put the home team up, 4-0.
The first 89 minutes were peaches and cream. It is what happened in the 90thminute, and more specifically the reaction that followed, that defines this team….and its culture. Charlotte’s Jorge Herrera scored on a picturesque shot to the top left corner, negating the clean sheet in a way that ends up on a highlight reel.
As the team reflected in the immediate aftermath of the 4-1 victory, there was no celebration. The focus was all on one small instance of complacency. After all, what if the score had been 1-0, or worse yet, 0-0?
Luke Spencer has been the public face of the famed “Triumvirate” since June 29th. That’s when James O’Connor, Lou City’s head coach since it’s inception, announced he and his staff were leaving for Orlando. The Triumvirate consists of three players (Luke Spencer, George Davis IV, and Paolo DelPiccolo) that have stepped up to coach their teammates while a replacement is hired.
Spencer’s words were not those of a coach enjoying a victory in his home debut.
“We have spoken at length about finishing games, and not allowing goals in the final minutes. We have to be better,” he said.
“We must finish with high intensity, this is not acceptable,” said Shaun Francis, as he clapped his hands in frustration.
There were no words from DelPiccolo, captain and co-head coach. A gritting of teeth and a tempered head shake was all that could be mustered.
This club is unique; it has a culture of impenetrable principles. During this coach-less stretch of three league games, all against playoff contenders—including two on the road—they have managed six points, but they are not satisfied. They have an unwavering desire to improve. They are never pleased with their performance but in a healthy way. That’s the culture that has been instilled over the last four years and that’s the culture that has allowed this team to improve its position in the standings during the greatest period of adversity in its history.
What will happen in Ottawa on Saturday? No one knows; that’s why they play the games. Life is not a fairy tale. In real life, if Cinderella loses a shoe at midnight, chances are she’s simply had too much to drink. But whatever happens, we know the lads will look to improve on the negative and capitalize on the positive. That’s why we’re proud.
When a permanent staff is named, these boys will return to normalcy and soak up everything the coaches have to offer. The top of the table is in our sightline. The future is bright.
C’mon City!
