Louisville City FC Academy player Brandon Dayes is set to make the first USL Championship regular season start of his career Saturday when the boys in purple face rival Indy Eleven. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
Dayes, 16, started once previously this season in the USL Jägermeister Cup against North Carolina FC on June 28. Saturday marks his first league start, with the youngster slotting in at right wingback.
Elsewhere, veteran Niall McCabe returns for the starting lineup for the first time since May 17 at Hartford Athletic. The 34-year-old will play in the attack out wide on the left.
Goalkeeper Danny Faundez starts for the second straight game after posting a shutout in the 0-0 tie last week with New Mexico United. LouCity’s regular starter, Damian Las, remains sidelined with injury.
Aside from those three, head coach Danny Cruz has named a familiar lineup.
Aiden McFadden starts opposite Dayes at left wingback, while captain Kyle Adams, Arturo Ordóñez and rookie standout Josh Jones form the back three.
Taylor Davila and Kevon Lambert continue their partnership in central midfield for the eighth consecutive match, a stretch during which LouCity is unbeaten.
Up front, McCabe joins leading scorer Phillip Goodrum and Jansen Wilson to complete the attacking trio.
On the bench, Jake Morris and Ray Serrano — each with multiple goals across all competitions — offer attacking options, while veterans Sean Totsch, Brian Ownby, Amadou Dia and Cameron Lancaster add proven experience.
Team Sheet at Indy Eleven
12 – Danny Faundez
2 – Aiden McFadden
32 – Kyle Adams (c)
5 – Arturo Ordóñez
24 – Josh Jones
83 – Brandon Dayes
17 – Taylor Davila
31 – Kevon Lambert
11 – Niall McCabe
9 – Phillip Goodrum
25 – Jansen Wilson
Substitutes: 30 – Ryan Troutman; 3 – Jake Morris, 4 – Sean Totsch, 7 – Ray Serrano, 10 – Brian Ownby, 13 – Amadou Dia, 27 – Evan Davila, 53 – Cameron Lancaster, 80 – Hayden Stamps
