Wilson Harris scored twice – and nearly had himself a hat trick – as Louisville City FC closed its preseason Saturday with a 2-1 victory over One Knoxville SC.
Harris delivered on both sides of the half in an exhibition meeting between the USL Championship and USL League One sides. The clubs met at Lynn Family Stadium as a dress rehearsal for their regular seasons, which open next weekend.
“He’s been very good,” coach Danny Cruz said of Harris’ preseason. “There’s a lot of things I was happy about with him, and I think anytime a goal scorer’s putting the ball in the back of the net you want to build that confidence.”
Cruz lauded LouCity’s overall performance but said he was left “frustrated” after Brian Ownby – who captained the boys in purple Saturday – left injured in the second half having absorbed an opposing tackle.
“We’re going to see,” the coach said of Ownby’s condition. “It’s not looking great at the moment.”
Harris scored goals that twice gave LouCity a lead. His opener came on the rebound, with the headed shot following Niall McCabe’s try blocked at the face of goal.
Later, seven minutes after Knoxville equalized from a wide free kick, the opposing keeper played a pass off Elijah Wynder. Possession landed to Harris, who bounced in the game-winner from distance while staring down an empty net.
“I’m always pushing for a really good year and to try and beat my past years as well,” said Harris, who could have registered a third goal in the 75th minute when flicking a shot just wide. “For me, I think it’s about trying to reach that next level and push myself and push my teammates to fight for championships.”
Defensively, Cruz commented that Knoxville’s goal appeared to be offside. Goalkeeper Damian Las thwarted the visitors’ only other major chance, turning away Adjei Kingsford’s 30th-minute shot at the near post.
“We feel good about where the group’s at, good about the mentality of the group, and we’re excited to get the season kicked off,” Cruz said. “We were bummed that we had a bye in Week 1.”
LouCity officially kicks off 2024 next Saturday, traveling to play El Paso Locomotive FC at 3 p.m. The boys in purple play their home opener at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
2024 Louisville City FC Preseason Schedule
Feb. 3 at Austin FC (D, 2-2)
Feb. 7 vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (W, 2-0)
Feb. 11 vs. Sacramento Republic FC (W, 3-2)
Feb. 15 at St. Louis CITY SC (W, 2-1)
Feb. 18 vs. Lexington SC (D, 0-0)
March 1 vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (L, 1-0)
March 9 vs. One Knoxville SC (W, 2-1)
