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Louisville City FC defeated FC Cincinnati, 0-1, in front of a crowd of over 25,000 at Nippert Stadium on Saturday night.

What Happened?

Ten minutes in, LouCity had their first attempt on goal. Marauding forward, Kyle Smith pushed his way past the back line and tested Cincy ‘keeper Evan Newton, who produced a good save from close range.

After a little persistence in the attacking third, the “Boys in Purple” broke the deadlock just 13 minutes in. As FCC failed to clear a loose ball in their penalty area, forward Cameron Lancaster came sweeping in to fire home from close range with his left foot. At the break, LouCity led, 0-1.

FCC came out the more aggressive side to start the second half, but the LouCity defense held tight. In the 53rd minute, Emmanuel Ledesma nearly opened the scoring for the hosts, but instead fired over the bar from close range. 

Minutes later, defender Sean Totsch put the hearts of Cincinnati fans in their throats, nearly doubling the visitors’ advantage only to head wide into the side-netting.

With a quarter of an hour to play, Cincy substitute Danni Konig again looked to test the LouCity backline. Taking a cross from out wide, Konig skied to head the delivery only to see it rise over the bar and out.

In the end, another steadfast performance from LouCity saw them earn all three points in the Dirty River Derby. Behind the 1-0 win, LouCity moves to 3-0-0 (9 pts.) on the season, while goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh earned his third consecutive clean sheet.

Next up, the “Boys in Purple” host Richmond Kickers on Saturday, April 14 for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Slugger Field.

The Key Points:

• LouCity took the lead in the 13th minute on a goal from forward Cameron Lancaster
• Goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh made two saves en route to a third consecutive clean sheet
• LouCity continues their season, now 3-0-0 (9 pts.) ahead of their test against Richmond Kickers on Sat., April 14

O’Connor’s Takeaways:

On tonight’s performance:
“I thought in the first half, we played some really excellent football. I thought that we were a little unlucky not to go in more than one-up. At times, there was some lovely football so we can be pleased with that. Still, there’s a little bit more understanding we need to work on. But we have to be happy. Winning one-nil is really, really pleasing. I’m very proud of the players tonight because I thought they were exceptional at times.”

On Lancaster’s goal turning the tide:
“I think [FCC] started in the first five minutes coming to attack, but I always felt, after that once we started to get on the ball and keep it, I thought we caused them some real problems. As I said, I think on another night we maybe would’ve gone ahead further than one-up at halftime.

Second half, I thought we started pretty well but unfortunately, we had lads who had some niggles and forced us into some changes. But overall, they started to come at us a bit more in the second half. Equally, we still had a couple chances on the break and I was hopeful we’d get something but we’re pleased.”

On the performance of the defense:
“They were really good. I think again, for us I thought [the defense] dealt with the crosses well and their passing in the first half at times was very good. But equally, when you look at the effort of the guys in front of them–sometimes when you keep a clean sheet, the defenders naturally get credit. They deserve credit, but also the guys in front of them that clocked up 12 or 13km deserve credit as well!”

On the derby win:
“We’re delighted with three points here and really pleased for the supporters who made the trip up tonight. It was a cold evening and I just want to thank everyone who made the trip tonight, it was fantastic to see so many here this evening. Big thank you to our supporters who helped us tonight.”

Injury Report:
NONE

FC Cincinnati 0 : 1 Louisville City FC
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Nippert Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
42 degrees / sunny

Scoring Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster 13′

Disciplinary Summary:
CIN – Emmanuel Ledesma 35′
LOU – Cameron Lancaster 47′
CIN – Dekel Keinen 61′
CIN – Lance Laing 76′
LOU – Ilija Ilic 90+5′

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Pat McMahon (Shaun Francis 62′), Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Oscar Jimenez; Paolo DelPiccolo (c); Kyle Smith, Devon “Speedy” Williams, Magnus Rasmussen, George Davis VI (Niall McCabe 62′); Cameron Lancaster (Ilija Ilic 66′)

Bench: Chris Hubbard, Tim Dobrowolski, Alexis Souahy, Brian Ownby

In his first regular season match since the 2017 USL championship, Luke Spencer picked up where he left off a season ago – on the scoring sheet.

After scoring a team-best 11 goals in 2017, Spencer added to his career total with a strike in the 56th minute to take the lead in the club’s home opener.

“As a striker, in the offseason you think about scoring a lot of goals and you try to envision yourself doing that,” said the 6-foot-2 forward. “To get off to a good start, for me, meant a lot.”

While his goal helped the club start the season on the right foot with an early 3 points, the process towards defending the league championship starts in early preseason for the “Boys in Purple”.

“I had good expectations coming in from the offseason after speaking with James [O’Connor] and Dan [Byrd], and their expectations were for me to come in as fit as possible and rest up some niggles that I had from the season prior,” said Spencer.

A rigorous preseason kept Spencer in shape with fitness and cardio being his focus, though the Xavier graduate made sure he was sharp with the ball heading into the club’s trip to IMG Academy and leading into the season opener.

His goal in the 2-0 win over Nashville SC came off an assist from midfielder Niall McCabe, who also returned for the 2018 season.

“A lot of our early successes in preseason were definitely affected by our ability to bring back as many guys as we did again this year,” added Spencer.

One of 15 returners from a year ago, Spencer recognizes not only his personal expectations but also those of the team.

“We knew what to expect from each other and we knew that if we weren’t playing to our standard, we could hold each other accountable. That’s a testament to bringing that same group back,” said Spencer. “If we’re in a game and we aren’t playing at a high level, we can get on each other.”

With another eye on the weekend, Spencer wants to make sure he continues to take his team roll in stride – using his frame to maintain possession in the attacking half and adding his name to the scoring sheet.

“If you’re getting the call, you’d like to set markers on goals scored,” he said. “If you get your number called, you’d like to help lead the team by getting those goals.”

TAMPA (April 6, 2018) – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today the expansion of its broadcast agreement with ESPN for the 2018 and 2019 seasons that will bring more regular-season games to linear networks and make ESPN+ the league’s streaming subscription service in the United States.

“We are thrilled to expand our valued relationship with ESPN through the 2019 season,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “Our collaboration has grown organically over the last few years, as we’ve worked closely to continually enhance our broadcasts. In addition, our investments into USL Productions and partnership with VISTA Worldlink – now in its second season and under the visionary guidance of industry veteran Michael Cohen – has built the league into a premier television sports property which delivers engaging, exciting and unique content for fans all season long. Our clubs and players will benefit from the significantly increased exposure across ESPN’s linear networks, ESPN3, and our presence on ESPN+ alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League, and other top international soccer leagues and tournaments.”

“We have worked in great collaboration with the USL to leverage numerous ESPN touch points to reach fans, and will continue to do so through this latest agreement,” said Scott Guglielmino, Senior Vice President, ESPN Programming. “We look forward to our expanded relationship as we serve fans across our platforms in new and engaging ways.”

Now in its third season, the USL’s agreement with ESPN will see six USL regular season games and the 2018 USL Cup aired on linear networks, a major increase from a season ago. The full 2018 Game of the Week schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+ after its launch on April 12, where the league will reside alongside Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League on the new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN.

Prior to the launch of ESPN+ on April 12, all USL regular season contests will be available through the league’s YouTube channel.

Games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. Now in its second season, USL Productions produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates. The USL Match Center will also return for the 2018 season, with up-to-the-minute match statistics provided by industry leader Opta.
 

About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent professional soccer leagues in North America, reaching a population of more than 75 million people to fuel the growth of professional soccer across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida., the USL provides unparalleled club support to a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications, and sponsorship.

The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, the USL’s Match Center and international markets over the 2018 season.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ will be the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company Direct-to-Consumer and International group in partnership with ESPN. It will offer fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA Tour golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Launching April 12, ESPN+ will be an integrated part of a completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App will be the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App will curate all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ will also be available through ESPN.com.

USL Public Relations – Nicholas Murray / Aaron Cranford – Tampa, FL – 813.963.3909

Two games unbeaten to start the 2018 season, Louisville City FC hits the road for the first time as the “Boys in Purple” travel to Cincinnati for another edition of the Dirty River Derby against F.C. Cincinnati.

LouCity boxed off a 2-0 win over Nashville SC before defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1-0, last Saturday at Slugger Field. Now, our guys hit the road for one of the biggest early tests possible–another match against a regional rival.

When & Where

LouCity travels to face F.C. Cincinnati for a 7:00 P.M. kickoff at Nippert Stadium. The opposition also heads into the match unbeaten, picking up two consecutive 1-0 wins on the road against the Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven.

Local station WBKI will air this weekend’s match on your screen while 840 WHAS AM carries the action over the airwaves. Fans can also follow the match live on Twitter & Instagram.

TV: WBKI
RADIO: 840 WHAS AM

DOWNLOAD: LouCity app for iOS | LouCity app for Android

Last Time Out

Louisville City FC defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1-0, thanks to a goal from Oscar Jimenez in the 69th minute.

In a half of relatively few chances, LouCity ‘netminder Greg Ranjitsingh and the backline in front did well to keep the Rowdies attack at bay.  LouCity and Tampa Bay went scoreless into the break.

To start the second half, Ranjitsingh produced a massive save on Rowdies forward Sebastian Guenzatti. Sneaking in behind, Ranjitsingh shuffled across the face of goal and denied the attacker at a crucial moment. 

The Next Level Game Changing Play of the Match came in the 69th minute. As captain Paolo DelPiccolo rolled a ball across the 18-yard box, Jimenez was in perfect position to curl an effort past Mizell and put LouCity in front. The goal was just LouCity’s third in 2018–Jimenez’s first–as Spencer and McCabe scored in the season opener against Nashville SC. The assist was also PdP’s first on the year. 

At the death, the Rowdies earned a series of corners that would test the team’s solidity, though all were repelled. In the end, a one-goal advantage would be enough and LouCity earned all three points.

READ: #CINvLOU – Talking Points

KY Lottery Kees to the Game

Ahead of Saturday’s River City Derby, a few Kees to the Game presented by Kentucky Lottery:
1. Away match atmosphere
2. Protect Ranjitsingh
3. Attack the flanks

From the Gaffer

On building momentum:
“For me, it’s just total focus on Cincy. We need to make sure we’re prepped and ready for that. They’ve obviously had a great start themselves, so it’ll be a very exciting game. We love playing Cincinnati and I’m sure they enjoy the games as well. I think it’s great to have that regional rivalry. It’s a game we’re certainly looking forward to and I’m sure Cincinnati is, too.”

On having to rally his team:
“In any derby game, I think for sure everyone is really excited. If you look at the rivalry that’s developed in a really short space of time, it’s really exciting. They are great games. Both sets of supporters really enjoy the games and we’re certainly looking forward to it on Saturday.”

On what he’s liked so far this season:
“I think there have been passages of play that we’ve been pleased with, but there have also been other passages of play that we think we need to be sharper with. I think that the understanding is being enhanced. It’s great to see the attitude of the players and how coachable they are. I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me. The guys are fantastic guys to work with and I feel privileged and very grateful to work with such great young men.”

On the first road trip of the season:
“We’re excited. We’re hopeful we’ll bring quite a few supporters up there as well. I think that the games and the rivalry with Cincinnati is something that we really enjoy and they really enjoy. It’s something that, from the league standpoint, that’s something they wanted to create—that regional rivalry. For me, this is probably the biggest regional rivalry in the USL. There’s a real intense atmosphere at the games–whether it’s here or whether it’s there—and there’s a willingness to win from them and from us and that’s what you want. Everyone wants to win. We’re looking forward to the game. We’ve got a huge amount of respect for [FCC head coach] Alan [Koch] and for the players at Cincinnati so we’re excited and we’re looking forward to the weekend.”

On the week’s focus:
“The biggest thing for us on a Monday is always recovery. The ones who haven’t started, we’ll get some fitness in. Then we’ll start to drop in pieces of information. Even starting tomorrow, we’ll drop little pieces in and toward the end of the week, we hope there will be a good understanding of what we want to do and what we believe they will try to do.”

Team News

No injury report

LOUISVILLE (April 4, 2018) – Louisville City FC announced today the various theme and promotional nights scheduled for all home matches at Slugger Field in the 2018 USL regular season.

As LouCity begins its slate of exclusive promotional nights, the popular “Black Out” Night returns against Richmond Kickers on Saturday, April 14! LouCity’s next home match will feature the “Boys in Purple” wearing the fan-voted all-black 3rd kit for the first time at Slugger Field in 2018. Plus, as excitement builds for an unforgettable evening, fans can pre-order limited edition ‘Black Out The City’ tees online at www.loucity.com/shop.

Our theme nights continue throughout the year as we host another Faith and Family Night against New York Red Bulls II in June, and “Purple Out” returns against F.C. Cincinnati in early September. Additionally, LouCity is proud to host Military Appreciation Night for the fourth year running, presented by the U.S. Army, on Saturday, July 21, and Hispanic Heritage Night against Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday, September 22.

To round out another season with your support, LouCity hosts Indy Eleven on Saturday, October 13 as part of Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Kroger, which will feature exclusive giveaways and promo items to commemorate another great year with our city!

The complete look at LouCity’s title night, theme night, and promotional schedule is available below. More match specifics, including details on promotional giveaways, are to be announced at a later date.

Season Ticket Memberships for the 2018 regular season are still available. For more information on season ticket options and member benefits, visit www.loucity.com/SeasonTickets or call (502) 384-8799, option 2. In addition, fans can also purchase 2018 Season Ticket Memberships at Slugger Field by visiting the LouCity Ticketing booth by the Against The Grain entrance at Slugger Field.

Looking for something more flexible? Fans can also purchase single game tickets to any match at Slugger Field online at www.loucity.com.

– LouisvilleCityFC.com | Follow Louisville City FC on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram –

2018 LOUISVILLE CITY FC PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

Evan Newton vs. Luke Spencer

It’s one of many key battles this weekend.

LouCity forward Luke Spencer returns to face F.C. Cincinnati after signing on with the “Boys in Purple” ahead of the 2017 season. With one goal in two games to start the 2018 campaign, Spencer has filled his role as an integral part of the LouCity attack both in preseason and to begin the year. 

Now, he may be tasked with leading the line for the third straight match, this time against FCC and goalkeeper Evan Newton. The former Sac Republic FC ‘keeper has kept goal in both of Cincy’s first two matches on the road. With six points from two matches, Newton has kept two straight clean sheets against Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven, both 1-0 wins for the Orange & Blue.

READ | #CINvLOU: Talking Points

Richie Ryan vs. Paolo DelPiccolo

A battle in the middle of the park will come in the form of Richie Ryan against LouCity captain Paolo DelPiccolo when the teams meet on Saturday night.

DelPiccolo, who also donned the captain’s armband in 2017, helped carry LouCity to a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday, earning the assist on Oscar Jimenez’s goal in the 69th minute. 

Both DelPiccolo and Ryan have gone the distance in their two matches, going 180 minutes in that span. Both Ryan and DelPiccolo have done the dirty work defensively, making three clearances with a block apiece, while Ryan has intercepted five passes compared to PdP’s three.

Look for this central midfield duo to go head-to-head at the weekend.

Lance Laing vs. Sean Totsch

One attacker for LouCity defender Sean Totsch to keep an eye on is former North Carolina FC midfielder Lance Laing.

Laing, who made the switch in the offseason, has assisted in Cincy’s attack this year, most often creating problems for the opposition defense in his attacking third. Through two games, Laing has posted a 73% passing accuracy while creating a couple of opportunities from a wide area.

Meanwhile, Totsch has helped command the backline alongside Paco Craig and Pat McMahon. The defender is already on his way to replicating his form at the end of last year, completing 80% of his tackles while registering 10 clearances and one interception.

Emery Welshman vs. Greg Ranjitsingh

Finally, Saturday’s showdown may pit Cincy forward Emery Welshman against LouCity ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh.

Welshman scored Cincy’s lone goal in a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven last weekend and has been at the forefront of their attacking moves since their season began. 

However, Ranjitsingh has been incredible in his two games in goal so far. Making four saves across the Nashville and Tampa Bay matches, the Trinidad & Tobago nationalist has also made six catches and smothered cross after cross to limit chances for the opposition.

LOUISVILLE (April 3, 2018) – After assisting with player recovery last year to heal both body and mind, Louisville City Football Club and OxyBaric are proud to partner up again for the 2018 season. Based in Louisville, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic will serve as an official rehabilitation and therapy provider for LouCity.

“I’m really looking forward to having OxyBaric back for us this year,” said defender Paco Craig. “During the treatment last year, I would already be feeling calm and relaxed and I could feel the improvement instantly. I sleep well that night, and then the day after, any injuries and pains I had felt are gone. I feel fresh. It was a great tool for myself and the team.”

Benefitting our athletes’ ability to recharge and recover between matches, the chambers focus on improving endurance on the field and the ability to help repair damage caused to their muscles. The chamber pods, which increase oxygen to the player’s tissues by up to 15-20x more, helps their bodies metabolize oxygen and replenish a number of vital body levels leading up to the team’s next match.

“OxyBaric is looking forward to using mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to help keep LCFC players healthy, well-rested, and injury-free for a second year,” added Lynn Green, owner at OxyBaric.

Soccer is only one of the sports using similar technology, with football, professional weight trainers, and MMA fighters alike all taking advantage of this revolutionary recovery method. Outside of sports, the therapy can be beneficial for a number of other issues, including high stress levels, chronic fatigue, and more.

For more information on this technology, visit OxyBaric.com.

– LouisvilleCityFC.com | Follow Louisville City FC on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram –

TAMPA (April 3, 2018) – Orange County SC forward Thomas Enevoldsen has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 3 of the 2018 season, while LouCity midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo was named to the USL Team of the Week. Enevoldsen scored four goals in two road victories for Orange County over the week’s action, including a hat trick in the side’s 5-0 win against Tulsa Roughnecks FC this past Saturday.

Enevoldsen received 60 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Evan Newton finished second with 35 percent, while Charlotte Independence forward Jorge Herrera was third.

USL Team of the Week

GK – Evan Newton, FC Cincinnati: Newton posted a six-save shutout, including a double-save on a penalty kick and rebound, to lead FCC to a 1-0 road win against Indy Eleven.

D – Kalen Ryden, Real Monarchs SLC: Ryden scored twice on four total shots on goal to lead the Monarchs to a 4-2 victory against the Portland Timbers 2.

D – Sean Reynolds, Saint Louis FC: Reynolds made a game-saving challenge to deny a chance to Colorado Springs’ Saeed Robinson and completed 61 of 66 passes as STLFC earned a 1-0 win against the Switchbacks.

D – Joel Huiqui, Las Vegas Lights FC: Huiqui recorded three interceptions and seven clearances while marshaling the Lights FC defense as it held Swope Park to only three shots on goal in a 2-1 victory for Las Vegas.

M – Todd Wharton, Rio Grande Valley FC: Wharton scored the opening goal, recorded two key passes and three tackles and completed 30 of 33 passes in the Toros’ 2-2 draw with Sacramento.

M – Brian Shriver, Richmond Kickers: Shriver provided the assist on the Kickers’ game-winning goal against North Carolina and was influential throughout the game in the attacking third.

M – Paolo DelPiccolo, Louisville City FC: DelPiccolo recorded three key passes, including the assist on Oscar Jimenez’s game-winner, won seven of 11 duels overall and linked play well through the midfield.

M – Amando Moreno, New York Red Bulls II: Moreno notched a pair of goals on five total shots and completed 21 of 26 passes in New York’s romp past Charleston.

F – Juan Pablo Caffa, Fresno FC: Caffa scored once, completed 76 of 91 passes and recorded five key passes as the Foxes took victories against both Seattle Sounders FC 2 and OKC Energy FC.

F – Jorge Herrera, Charlotte Independence: Herrera scored twice as the Independence rallied on two occasions to earn a 2-2 draw with ATL UTD 2 to remain undefeated to start the season.

F – Thomas Enevoldsen, Orange County SC: Enevoldsen scored four goals in two games as Orange County swept a pair of victories in Oklahoma against Energy FC and the Roughnecks.

Bench: Evan Louro (NY), Alex Crognale (OC), Rony Argueta (FRS), Corben Bone (CIN), Ken Tribbett (PEN), Solomon Asante (PHX), Lebo Moloto (NSH)

#LOUVTBR: TALKING POINTS

1) Off to a solid start

LouCity is one of just three USL teams to collect six points in their opening two contests, as wins over Nashville SC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in March spurred the team’s fast start.

Head coach James O’Connor has been pleased with most of what he has seen but is most complimentary of his players’ attitudes:
“I think there have been passages of play that we’ve been pleased with, but there have also been other passages of play that we think we need to be sharper with. I think that the understanding is being enhanced.

It’s great to see the attitude of the players and how coachable they are. I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me. The guys are fantastic guys to work with and I feel privileged and very grateful to work with such great young men.”

2) on the road

The “Boys in Purple” had the luxury of two straight contests at Slugger Field to open the year, meaning their trip north to face F.C. Cincinnati in the Dirty River Derby will be their first test away from home.

With the intensity of a derby building, O’Connor noted his team is keeping all past performances in the past and only looking to what’s ahead in the future:
“For me, it’s just total focus on Cincy. We need to make sure we’re prepped and ready for that. They’ve obviously had a great start themselves, so it’ll be a very exciting game.

We love playing Cincinnati and I’m sure they enjoy the games as well. I think it’s great to have that regional rivalry. It’s a game we’re certainly looking forward to and I’m sure Cincinnati is, too.”

– Tickets vs. RICHMOND KICKERS | April 14 – Blackout Night –

3) F.C.C. OPENS HOME SLATE

Coming away from Nippert Stadium with points in hand is never an easy feat and Saturday’s home-opening occasion will only intensify the teams’ desires. 

F.C. Cincinnati has collected two wins in two games, both 1-0 scorelines, against Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven on the road. Last Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, FCC came away with their one-goal win in front of 17,500+ fans.

4) NOTHING BUT RESPECT

As the build-up for Saturday continues throughout the week, O’Connor made it known that although he wants to see as many LouCity supporters as possible, maintaining a healthy respect for the opposition is paramount.

“We’re excited. We’re hopeful we’ll bring quite a few supporters up there as well. I think that the games and the rivalry with Cincinnati is something that we really enjoy and they really enjoy. It’s something that, from the league standpoint, that’s something they wanted to create—that regional rivalry.

For me, this is probably the biggest regional rivalry in the USL. There’s a real intense atmosphere at the games–whether it’s here or whether it’s there—and there’s a willingness to win from them and from us and that’s what you want. Everyone wants to win. We’re looking forward to the game.”