Louisville City traveled to Philadelphia Friday to continue preparations for Sunday’s match vs. Bethlehem Steel FC in Philly’s Talen Energy Stadium.
After a draw last Saturday at home vs. Saint Louis, LouCity is looking for three points on the road Sunday.
“For us it’s about holding ourselves to a high standard and going into each game expecting to win,” Louisville City coach John Hackworth said. “We know it won’t always happen, but we don’t change the level of expectations in this club. We expect to play quality soccer every match.”
Hackworth said his initial frustration from the Saint Louis draw has changed some in the days since Saturday’s match.
“I have probably watched that Saint Louis game more than any other game so far this year,” Hackworth said. “I was certainly frustrated that we didn’t get the three points vs. Saint Louis, especially given how well we played, but the more I watched the game the more I understood about how that game was played and what a high-level of soccer both teams brought to that match. We feel like we created chances by playing beautiful soccer at times, but we didn’t finish when we needed to.”
Louisville City spent a significant portion of time in workouts this week on finishing inside the box. The club is focused on making the most of opportunities when they are created Sunday vs. Bethlehem.
“We play an aggressive style of soccer,” Hackworth said. “We believe in that style and we believe if we play our game we’ll continue to have chances.”
Louisville City has regained the service of several players in recent weeks including veteran leaders Luke Spencer (forward) and George Davis IV (midfielder) and local stars Richard Ballard, a forward, and goalkeeper Chris Hubbard.
The team’s traveling 18 now includes several players who have missed significant time this season due to injury, but have now recovered.
Sunday’s Game Watch Party is at Falls City Taproom. Falls City will provide drink specials for Louisville City fans through the match and fans can purchase a beverage in Falls City’s new LouCity purple color-change cups.
