After two months sidelined by injury, Louisville City FC forward Adrien Perez will make his first start since June 11 when the boys in purple face Rhode Island FC on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The 29-year-old Californian returned to action on August 15 in a 0-0 draw with New Mexico United, playing 15 minutes off the bench, following a lengthy injury recovery. He has two goals and one assist in league play this season.
His last start also came against Rhode Island, coincidentally.
Head coach Danny Cruz turns to Perez while his team is shorthanded this week due to injuries and international duty, but with a lot at stake. A win would clinch a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference for Louisville, and a home playoff game at Lynn Family Stadium
Perez joins Jansen Wilson and Niall McCabe in the front three. McCabe had an assist in last week’s 3-1 win at Indy Eleven. Wilson will move to center forward, with Phillip Goodrum nursing an injury suffered in the rivalry game.
With Kevon Lambert away with the Jamaica national team, Evan Davila returns for his first start since June 20. He’ll pair in midfield his older brother, Taylor Davila.
The backline includes Amadou Dia on the left and Aiden McFadden on the right in the wingback spots. Kyle Adams, Josh Jones and Sean Totsch make up the back three.
With Damian Las still working to return from injury, Danny Faundez starts for the third straight week.
On the bench, Jake Morris, Ray Serrano and Cameron Lancaster have all scored this season. Captain Brian Ownby offers leadership, while Academy player Brandon Dayes started last week.
Team sheet at Rhode Island FC
12 – Danny Faundez
13 – Amadou Dia
32 – Kyle Adams (c)
24 – Josh Jones
4 – Sean Totsch
2 – Aiden McFadden
17 – Taylor Davila
27 – Evan Davila
11 – Niall McCabe
16 – Adrien Perez
25 – Jansen Wilson
Substitutes: 30 – Ryan Troutman; 3 – Jake Morris, 7 – Ray Serrano, 10 – Brian Ownby, 53 – Cameron Lancaster, 70 – Isaac Cano, 80 – Hayden Stamps, 83 – Brandon Dayes
