Adrien Perez and Kevon Lambert will start in Louisville City FC’s playoff rematch with Rhode Island FC on Wednesday, representing the only two changes for head coach Danny Cruz following Saturday’s win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
At 6-foot-4, the Jamaican national teamer provides some much-needed size in the midfield, displacing Evan Davila. On loan from Real Salt Lake of MLS, Lambert has started six games, including three in the league this season.
“We tried to make an effort this offseason to make sure that we were bringing in good size and athleticism and bite, and we certainly feel we did that,” Cruz said. “Going up against a team like Rhode Island you have to have that, and I feel we do.”
Perez replaces Jansen Wilson on the wing. The 29-year-old has scored four goals across all competitions for LouCity. He found the back of the net in his most-recent start, a USL Jägermeister Cup loss at Loudoun United on May 31.
The rest of the team is unchanged from Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Tampa Bay.
Phillip Goodrum starts at center forward for the second-straight game after scoring LouCity’s opener against the Rowdies. He’s now scored in his last two appearances, dating to May 17 at Hartford. Additionally, he starts in consecutive games for the first time since late April.
Ray Serrano, LouCity’s leading scorer, starts opposite Perez. Perez is picking up where he left off in a breakout 2024, when he scored eight goals and registered six assists in all competitions. This season, the 23-year-old leads Louisville with five goals in all competitions, including four in league play.
Taylor Davila starts alongside Lambert in the midfield. LouCity’s chief creative force, Davila leads the team and is tied for fourth in the league in chances created with 21.
The back five of Amadou Dia, Kyle Adams, Arturo Ordóñez, Sean Totsch and Aiden McFadden starts together for just the third time this season and the first time in consecutive games. Totsch and Adams have played every league minute for LouCity this USL Championship regular season.
Damian Las starts in goal once again. He’s the only LouCity goalkeeper to see the field this season, and for good reason: With 24 saves on 30 shots, his regular season save percentage of 80% is the best in the league.
On the bench, LouCity’s injury woes appear to be diminishing. Jake Morris and Sam Gleadle are both available for the first time in weeks — Morris’ last appearance came against Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup on May 7, while Gleadle hasn’t been available since a May 1 victory against Lexington — while Manny Perez returns to the bench after being ruled out of Saturday’s win due to injury.
Team sheet vs. Rhode Island FC
1 – Damian Las
13 – Amadou Dia
32 – Kyle Adams (c)
5 – Arturo Ordóñez
4 – Sean Totsch
2 – Aiden McFadden
17 – Taylor Davila
31 – Kevon Lambert
7 – Ray Serrano
16 – Adrien Perez
9 – Phillip Goodrum
Substitutes: 12 – Danny Faundez; 3 – Jake Morris, 15 – Manny Perez, 23 – Sam Gleadle, 25 – Jansen Wilson, 27 – Evan Davila, 53 – Cameron Lancaster, 80 – Hayden Stamps, 83 – Brandon Dayes
