
With the goal to build toward raising another USL Championship trophy at year’s end, Louisville City FC’s players have reported to town for the start of a six-week preseason leading up to their 2023 opener.
Coach Danny Cruz’s squad will hit the pitch for its first official training session on Wednesday, and within the week preseason games begin — all but one of them outside of Louisville.
Last year, City went 9-4-4 away from Lynn Family Stadium. That marked an improvement over a 6-5-5 road record in 2021, Cruz’s first campaign in charge, and the coach credited a similarly well-traveled preseason schedule in part for the uptick.
“We are looking forward to getting back on the field after a productive offseason,” Cruz said. “Like last year, we will travel quite a bit during preseason in order to put the players in uncomfortable environments. We firmly believe that our plan last year put us in a position to start the regular season strong. This group will continue to grow together and push toward achieving all of our goals.”
This year’s preseason slate features a mix of Major League Soccer, USL Championship and USL League one competition. Notably, LouCity will match up for the first time with Seattle Sounders FC, which will make history this year as the first MLS club to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fans can follow along via the club’s social media accounts, where any ticket or live streaming details will be posted if available. LouCity also plans to open its lone home preseason game Feb. 25 against League One’s Knoxville SC to a limited number of season ticket members. STMs will be emailed more information about the opportunity to attend.
LouCity — fresh off winning last year’s Eastern Conference title — kicks off its USL Championship regular season March 11 at Orange County SC and hosts El Paso in its March 25 home opener. Season, group and premium tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now by visiting LouCity.com/tickets or calling (502) LOU-CITY during regular business hours. Single game tickets will go on sale later.
2023 LouCity preseason schedule
Monday, Jan. 30 at Nashville SC
Saturday, Feb. 4 vs. Sporting KC*
Monday, Feb. 6 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC**
Thursday, Feb. 9 vs. New Mexico United**
Saturday, Feb. 11 at Austin FC
Saturday, Feb 18 at Seattle Sounders FC
Saturday, Feb. 25 vs. One Knoxville SC
Saturday, March 4 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
* = game to be played at Phoenix Rising FC’s soccer complex
** = game to be played as part of FC Tucson’s Desert Showcase