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Louisville City FC defeated New York Red Bulls II, 4-6, in an incredible eight-goal evening at Pittser Field on Friday night.

What Happened?

An action-packed first fifteen minutes saw the hosts double up as goals from Andrew Tinari and Ethan Kutler put City in an early hole. Not despondent, City continued its press and worked their way into the final third as they created chance after chance.

In the 18th minute, City pulled one back in specular fashion thanks to some acrobatics by Ilija Ilic. Oscar Jimenez whipped in a cross from a wide position that was headed directly into the air by forward Cameron Lancaster. Positioned well inside the box, Ilic opted for an attempted bicycle kick over a header from close range and saw the effort pay off as his right-footed stunner found the back of the net.

Los Morados continued to push Red Bulls II further and further back the pitch as their press continued and just before the half, they found the equalizer they were seeking. Midfielder George Davis IV clipped a ball over the top of the hosts’ defense for Lancaster to run onto, and the Englishman shrugged off Red Bulls II defender Hassan Ndam en route to poking an equalizer past the ‘keeper.

At the break, the sides were level at two apiece. 

As the second half began, LouCity continued to let fly on Red Bulls II and found their third of the night from George Davis IV! Scoring his 50th USL goal last week, Davis IV found goal #51 after a silky backheel from Ilic played the Ohio native clean through to slot home.

Five minutes later, City added a fourth as Ilija Ilic tapped home a free kick from Oscar Jimenez amidst a congested 18-yard box. The goal was Ilic’s 9th of the year as Jimenez racks up another assist to lead the team. Not done yet, LouCity piled on the fifth goal off a Jimenez corner. After a right-footed delivery, captain Paolo DelPiccolo headed across goal to find Lancaster, who nodded another past Evan Louro. 

Red Bulls II would find another in the 79th minute via midfielder Jose Aguinaga, who buried one past Ranjitsingh for New York’s third of the evening. However, a goal from Cameron Lancaster, assisted by Luke Spencer, sealed City’s sixth of the night. The hat-trick by Lancaster was City’s first since Matt Fondy’s on April 16, 2016.

A late penalty from Red Bulls II defender Hassan Ndam proved only a consolation in stoppage time.

In the end, City’s six-goal performance resulted in the “Boys in Purple” bringing home all three points to Louisville after an incredible win from the ten-goal encounter.

After tonight’s contest, Louisville City FC returns to Louisville for the final regular season edition of the “Sour Mash Soccer Bash” against Nashville SC on Saturday, August 18. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Slugger Field are available for as low as $16 on www.loucity.com or by calling (502) 384-8799.

The Key Points:

• Red Bulls II pounced early with two goals from Tinari and Kutler to put his side in front
• City responded with five unanswered goals as Ilic (2), Lancaster (2), and George Davis IV piled in in City’s highest-scoring affair of the year
• Red Bulls II found a third late on via Jose Aguinaga
• Cameron Lancaster’s first hat-trick in a LouCity uniform came via a goal in the 88th minute
• A stoppage time penalty from Hassan Ndam gave Red Bulls II their fourth

Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)

New York Red Bulls II 4 : 6 Louisville City FC
Friday, August 10, 2018
Pittser Field | Montclair, N.J.
78 degrees / sunny
 

Scoring Summary:
NY – Andrew Tinari (Tom Barlow) 7’
NY – Ethan Kutler (Jose Aguinaga) 14’
LOU – Ilija Ilic (Cameron Lancaster) 18’
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (George Davis IV) 43’
LOU – George Davis IV (Ilija Ilic) 48’
LOU – Ilija Ilic (Oscar Jimenez) 53’
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (Paolo DelPiccolo) 63’
NY – Jose Aguinaga (Jared Stroud) 79’
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (Luke Spencer) 88’
NY – Hassan Ndam – P – 90’

Disciplinary Summary:
LOU – Kyle Smith 32’
NY – Andrew Tinari 58’

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Kyle Smith, Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Oscar Jimenez; Paolo DelPiccolo; Devon “Speedy” Williams, Magnus Rasmussen (Niall McCabe 3’, Luke Spencer 75’), Ilija Ilic (Brian Ownby 66’), George Davis IV; Cameron Lancaster

Bench: Chris Hubbard, Tim Dobrowolski, Shaun Francis, Pat McMahon

Louisville City FC faces New York Red Bulls II for the second time in the 2018 season when the pair meets on Friday night.

When & Where
The match will take place on Friday, August 10 at Pittser Field in Montclair, New Jersey with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.

The match will be aired on WBKI-CW as well as streamed on ESPN+. Fans can listen to the match on 840 WHAS. Fans can also follow #NYvLOU on Twitter & Instagram.

TV: WBKI
RADIO: 1080 WKJK
STREAM: ESPN+

DOWNLOAD: LouCity app for iOS | LouCity app for Android

Last Time Out

Louisville City FC drew 2-2 with their neighbors to the north, Indy Eleven, in front of nearly 8,500 people inside a heated Slugger Field.

City’s goals came from Ilija Ilic and George Davis IV, whose fourth goal (on his birthday) also marked his 50th all-time in USL play, becoming the first player in club history to reach that mark. 

The draw leaves them fourth in the Eastern Conference table, just behind the Charleston Battery and with two games in hand on leaders FC Cincinnati.

– ICYMI – LOUISVILLE CITY FC APPOINTS JOHN HACKWORTH AS HEAD COACH –

Rewind against Red Bulls II
Louisville City FC and Red Bulls II met on June 30 in former coach James O’Connor’s final match in charge. City took a 2-0 lead into the break before Red Bulls II scored three straight in the second half to take the lead. However, a late goal by Magnus Rasmussen off a pass by Oscar Jimenez helped City seal a point in the 3-3 draw.

KY Lottery Kees to the Game
A rematch of the 2017 Eastern Conference championship, City will be charged with limited the opportunities for a high-flying Red Bulls II squad that leads the league in scoring.

Here are the KY Lottery Kees to the Game for #NYvLOU:

1. Stay switched on in transition
2. Feed the forwards
3. Keep possession in the final third

George Davis IV’s pre-match press conference:
On scoring his 50th USL goal:
“It’s kind of surreal, as I was saying. More for me than the goals is the fact that I’ve been able to play this long. It’s a great accomplishment. It hasn’t always been easy for me but to still be sitting in this chair today and to score 50 goals in my career is something that I can be proud of.”

On scoring another 50 goals:
“Yeah, I’ve got about another three years to do it, four more years to do it (laughs). No, I mean, like I said, I love scoring goals, the goals come, but if I could win a couple more championships then that would be far better than scoring goals.”

On facing Red Bulls II on Friday:
“New York is a good team, they play with a lot of intensity, high pressure. They’re well coached and they have a good thing up there. We have to make sure we are on our ‘A’ game and that we’re dialed in, focused, and have our game plan together.”

On the history with Red Bulls II playing a factor this weekend:
“No, what’s done in the past is the past. They are a good team and they create a lot of problems and that’s probably one of the reasons why our games have been very eventful in the past. They have a lot of young players, they have some new players coming into the team from time to time, so it’s about us getting the best understanding that we can of who we’ll see on the weekend and doing what we’re good at.”

On New York’s home scoring record and shutting them down:
“I think, for us, the key is to be switched on in transition. They like to press and they like to punish teams off of their mistakes. If we can keep good shape and be on the front foot to make sure that we’re in good positions when we do lose the ball, I think that will be our best hope to limit their opportunities.”

Team News
QUESTIONABLE – Luke Spencer (knee)
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)

Come and meet new Louisville City FC head coach John Hackworth at the Falls City Taproom on Liberty St. in Louisville on Tuesday, August 14th!

All fans who make a $50 merchandise purchase will score two game tickets to City’s August 18th matchup vs. Nashville SC at Slugger Field! Doors open to the public at 6:00 PM with the event starting at 6:15 PM. However, fans are encouraged to arrive and be served in the Falls City Beer Garden prior to doors open with Hometown Pizza available on the night!

Plus, stick around after the meet-and-greet for a joint Barrel Proof Podcast interview with John Hackworth. Hosted by Tom Farmer of The Coopers and Evan Floyd, host of the “In the House” podcast with Scouse’s House, the pair will take questions from the audience as part of the first fan interview with the new boss!

WHO: John Hackworth
WHAT: Meet and Greet
WHEN: Tuesday, August 14th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Falls City Taproom, 901 E Liberty St, Louisville, KY 40204

Louisville City FC drew 2-2 with their neighbors to the north, Indy Eleven, in front of nearly 8,500 people inside a heated Slugger Field.

City’s goals came from Ilija Ilic and George Davis IV, whose fourth goal (on his birthday) also marked his 50th all-time in USL play, becoming the first player in club history to reach that mark. 

The draw leaves them fourth in the Eastern Conference table, just behind the Charleston Battery and with two games in hand on leaders FC Cincinnati.

What Happened?
A packed Louisville Slugger Field saw fans come out strong despite nearly 90-degree heat and humidity.

LouCity’s start gave the fans the show they wanted with Ilija Ilic drawing a penalty in the fifth minute of the match. Stepping up to take, midfielder Brian Ownby powered an effort to the right of Indy ‘keeper Owain Fon Williams, only for the Welshman to prove equal to the effort producing an impressive save.

Instead, Indy would take the lead in the form of a Jack McInerney goal after 16 minutes. Not to be deterred, City would only need one minute to find its equalizer from Ilija Ilic. As midfielder Magnus Rasmussen danced towards the endline, he squared a pass for Ilic to open his foot on and plant in the back of the net.

However, Indy got right back on the front foot and found its second goal—again from McInerney—after 21 minutes. Chasing down a through pass, defenders Sean Totsch, and Paco Craig could not get to McInerney in time as he poked one past Ranjitsingh. 

At the break, City trailed 1-2.

Starting the second half with gusto, City’s persistence in attack paid off when the birthday boy George Davis IV fired home a pass from Ilic—who turned from scorer to provider—to help push City back level.

Though the host side continued to try and break Indy down, they would not find another goal but kept the visitors at bay in earning another valuable point at home.

Louisville City FC will face a quick turnaround with a trip to New York to face Red Bulls II on the cards next Friday, August 10. City welcomes Nashville SC to Slugger Field for their next outing at home on Saturday, August 18, with tickets available for as low as $16 at www.loucity.com.

The Key Points:

• City forward Brian Ownby stepped up to the spot in the 5th minute after Ilija Ilic drew the foul, only to see his attempt saved
• Indy forward Jack McInerney opened the scoring in the 16th minute off a blitz at Louisville’s goalmouth
• City responded quickly thanks to a goal from Ilija Ilic, assisted by Magnus Rasmussen
• Heavy pressure on City’s defense by McInerney resulted in Indy’s second of the evening as the forward poked an effort by Greg Ranjitsingh
• Midfielder George Davis IV fired home an effort from close range for his 50th USL goal and City’s second of the evening
• Penalty saved by Ranjitsingh in the 75th minute on Eugene Starikov to keep the match level

Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)
OUT – Luke Spencer (knee)

Louisville City FC 2 : 2 Indy Eleven
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Slugger Field | Louisville, KY
90 degrees / sunny
Attendance: 8,437

Scoring Summary:
IND – Jack McInerney 16’
LOU – Ilija Ilic (Magnus Rasmussen) 17’
IND – Jack McInerney 21’
LOU – George Davis IV (Ilija Ilic) 60’

Disciplinary Summary:
IND – Karl Ouimette 41’
LOU – Oscar Jimenez 44’
IND – Eugene Starikov 74’
LOU – Brian Ownby 90+1’

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Kyle Smith; Paolo DelPiccolo; George Davis IV, Devon “Speedy” Williams, Brian Ownby, Magnus Rasmussen (Niall McCabe 77’); Ilija Ilic (Cameron Lancaster 68’)

Bench: Chris Hubbard, Tim Dobrowolski, Shaun Francis, Pat McMahon, Luke Spencer

New LouCity boss John Hackworth spoke with Scott Stewart & www.loucity.com after his appointment was announced on Thursday morning… See below for the full interview:

John, welcome to Louisville City Football Club…

“Thanks, Scott. I’m excited and honored to be here.”

How do you feel?

“I feel humbled, but I also think it’s a wonderful opportunity. I think I’m joining a club that, in a short amount of time, has had a huge amount of success. The people that I’ve met I feel are like-minded and have the same aspirations, which is to continue the success on and off the field that LouCity has already built in the community. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

We’re all obviously very excited to have you here, but you’ll spend the next two weeks in your current role with the U-17 Men’s National Team. What will this time be like with LouCity in the back of your brain?

“Yeah, I’m going to be double-dipping, for sure. I’m going to be doing as much work as I can to be prepared when I do arrive at the club. I’ll be anxious during that time, but I still have a responsibility to the U.S. U-17 National Team and we have some tough games so I’ll try to make sure that I stay focused on both tasks.”

As you looked at this position, what attracted you to LouCity?

“The club and the community are the two things that were really impressive. I think a club is built on the foundation of the people that are there and what has happened so far. Honestly, I immediately connected to the ownership group and to Brad. Watching from afar, I had the opportunity to watch the team several times. I met with Luke Spencer and really felt like it was the perfect opportunity with a club that is well-established but has loftier goals. That meets exactly what I was looking for.”

Let’s talk about the supporters—how much are you looking forward to your new home and coaching for those fans?

“That’s one of the first things I want to do. I want to make sure I connect with the fanbase and build relationships so they understand what drives me and what I’m going to try to do with the current team and the club going forward. I want to build relationships at every level because that is what a club really is about. It’s a community and we’re all very passionate about winning and we want to continue that history that you guys have already established there.”

You’ve coached at every level in this country but the USL is raising its standards both in terms of talent on the field and organizationally off the field. Do you feel you’ll need to adapt to USL play or the way this team plays?

“I mean I’ve coached at every level in this country and have been fortunate in that regard. I really, in watching over the last several weeks, have been so impressed with the team and especially with the fact that they haven’t had a technical staff around them. That’s a credit to James O’Connor and what he has built there, and the players themselves. The coaches that have been there had done such a wonderful job of staying in a collective. That is a culture that I’m excited to join.”

What similar challenges do you think you’ll face in this position compared to Philadelphia or your time with U.S. Soccer?

“Well look, I’m jumping into the middle of the season. I’m joining a team that has lofty aspirations but one that is doing well right now. The first thing I’m going to try to establish with the players is their understanding of what I expect and to try to build the trust that I think has to be established from the get-go.”

How would you assess the squad you are inheriting?

“I look at the upcoming schedule and it’s a little daunting, but I think because the roster is built in such a way that it’s going to be a push to finish the season off strong and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs. My goal was clear in speaking with everyone at the club is to do everything we can to win another trophy.”

Can you tell us what style of play we can expect to see?

“I want fans to want to come and watch us play. In watching the team right now, they are a good team and play a good style of soccer already, so I’m going to try and go in and add little bits and pieces to things I think we can do better. But, [the team] is clearly in a good way right now so there’s not a ton to change and I want to be careful about not disturbing what that team is already doing.”

Will you be bringing any of your backroom staff?

“That’s an ongoing process right now and it’s one that I’m currently and have already started working on. I’m excited to bring some new people in, but at the same time, that’s not done right now. First things first is to try and build this in all the right ways and connect with the people there.”

With the success of this club to this point and the opportunity we have in hand, what would you say you are hoping to achieve with LouCity, short-term and long-term?

“Look, I think it’s very simple. I think the club wants to win, I want to win, and it’s been a culture of success on and off the field and that’s something I need to make sure I go in and lead right from the start. If I can, there are lofty expectations there already but I need to raise that bar if you will and set the tone in the right way. My expectation is that the team, the Club, and the fanbase support each other and stay collective in our goals and aspirations and really try to chase another USL Championship.”

And finally, they will be just as excited to have you in town as you will to be here. What is your message to City supporters everywhere?

“I just want to guarantee the supporters that I’m going to come in there and do the job to the best of my abilities. I’m going to work extremely hard and will use all of the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over my career and try to integrate myself in that community and in the club. I know I’m part of something very special going forward.”

Brilliant. Once more, John, welcome to Louisville City Football Club.

“Thank you, Scott. I appreciate it!”