Louisville City FC on Saturday welcomed Landon Donavan’s San Diego Loyal side to Lynn Family Stadium for what wound up a 2-1 win for the boys in purple. LouCity talisman Cameron Lancaster put City 1-0 up from the spot two minutes into first half stoppage time. Just signed Thursday from former rival Saint Louis FC, Kyle Greig pitched in with an acrobatic flick, which ended up being the game-winning goal, in the 88th minute.
Shortly after Greig converted, the U.S. Soccer legend and now San Diego coach Donavan was shown a red card for dissent toward the referee. While the Loyal halved their deficit late with a stunning strike from distance, it was too late to fully rally.
As a result, Danny Cruz got his first win as newly appointed head coach for LouCity following a draw earlier this month with Birmingham Legion FC. The club sits third in the USL Championship’s Central Division with a game in hand as the only unbeaten team on that table.
“I’m really proud of the group collectively,” Cruz said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks but that locker room has been fantastic. To be quite honest, we had a really good week of training. We felt really good about our preparation, but anytime you get a win with this group it’s special. It’s certainly a special moment for me.”
Here’s more of what we learned…
Cruz’s subs made the difference
In the 71st minute, Cruz brought on fresh legs in the form of forward Antoine Hoppenot, who made the rare move to replace hard-working captain Paolo DelPiccolo. Ten minutes later, Cruz took advantage of his recent signing, changing out Lancaster for Greig.
Hoppenot made a midfield tackle on San Diego’s Collin Martin and began the counter that led to Greig’s game-winning goal.
In their limited time on the pitch, Hoppenot and Greig created 3 chances and a goal in the space of about 20 minutes. Cruz took advantage of tiring visiting legs with attackers who were both eager to create.
Totsch and co. continue run of form
Last time out, Sean Totsch topped the majority of defensive categories against Birmingham. This time, the back line was as solid as ever, with San Diego’s late goal arguably a lack of defensive pressure from the midfield.
LouCity seemed to play a dynamic formation that consisted of Pat McMahon, Alexis Souahy and Totsch, plus youngster Jonathan Gomez in a fullback’s role allowed to get up and down the wing. Altogether, those four had an average of 83.8% passing accuracy. More notably, the back line had a combined 7 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 4 clearances throughout the match.
LouCity allowed San Diego to take just 11 shots (including blocks) to LouCity’s 20. Additionally, City conceded just 2 corners to San Diego compared to San Diego conceding 5 corner kicks. All of this points to what could be another solid season for the club’s defense — and potentially little to do for Chris Hubbard in goal.
Lancaster’s standout performance
LouCity’s top striker created more chances than it first appeared. Yes, he took advantage of a penalty opportunity. But the Tottenham Hotspur product also numbered a pair of key passes.
“I think it’s a clear penalty,” Cruz said. “I’m happy for Cam to finish it. Little bit fortunate it bounces back to him…I felt we probably deserved a goal before that.”
LouCity didn’t have the luxury of subbing at center forward in its first two games, lacking depth due to an injury for forward Abdou Thiam. Greig’s signing made it possible Saturday.
“For Cam, obviously, to get a goal, that’s big.” Cruz said of Lancaster, who signed a longterm contract with LouCity this past offseason. “You have two forwards, both getting a goal, coming away with three points.”
Up next
LouCity will look to continue an unbeaten start to its season when hosting rival Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium, which will see a 75% capacity crowd for the first time.
