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Twelve days after a dominating performance against River Cities Cup rival FC Cincinnati, the “Boys in Purple” impressed their head coach once again with their fifth-straight win.

Though multiple errors saw the hosts concede two early goals, Louisville City had answers of their own and were able to end the rambunctious first half with a level score.

“I just wanted us to almost just a relax a little bit,” said O’Connor. “I think when we started to do that, we started to get more play and started to cause them a lot of problems.”

After finally settling into play, Louisville City’s relentless pressure through the second 45 minutes proved useful when midfielder Brian Ownby found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, his first of the 2018 campaign.

With the 3-2 lead in hand, the hosts continued their pressure on the Revolution backline, an effort O’Connor credits to the club’s intense pre-season training.

“It’s a testament to all their hard work that started in Florida in a tough preseason and, as the season goes on, training is very intense,” said O’Connor. “That’s why we train as hard as we do, for that to happen.”

O’Connor was pleased with his lads’ ability to translate the pre-season training to execution on both halves on the field, showing no signs of backing down against a top-tier club.

Through his years of experience, Coach O’Connor stated he has seen plenty clubs sit back on defense against higher-tier teams and hope for good fortune to provide a game-winning strike – his side did not.

“That didn’t happen tonight,” O’Connor added. “We were on the front foot, we created a number of chances, and it’s very rare that you see teams that brave go and do that and the players deserve enormous credit for that.”

After watching his club’s performance on the pitch with an MLS opponent and their lineup that included Louisville-native Andrew Farrell, O’Connor was quick to credit his own side with the potential some individuals have at the next level.

“I really hope that they all go on and play in MLS because I think the majority of them are capable of going on and playing at a higher level, they just need someone to give them a chance,” said O’Connor.

Pleased with his club’s win, the head coach credits his players with a fantastic effort yet doesn’t want the focus to be on a US Open Cup run.

“We’ve got another game, so we’ll see how that goes [laughs],” O’Connor added. “We won’t be looking past the next game.”

Up next for the “Boys in Purple” is a Saturday matchup with Bethlehem Steel FC. Kickoff at Goodman Stadium is set for 5 p.m.

Louisville City FC to host Nashville SC in U.S. Open Cup Round of 16

City welcome Nashville SC for first-ever Open Cup meeting at Lynn Stadium
 

LOUISVILLE (June 7, 2018) – After advancing past Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup, Louisville City Football Club continues its run against USL’s Nashville SC in the Round of 16 as determined by a blind draw on Thursday morning. 

The draw revealed that City will host Nashville, who advanced after beating the Colorado Rapids, 2-0, on Wednesday night in Tennessee, with the contest played at Lynn Stadium and a date to be announced in the coming days.

Familiar opposition for City, the pair have played twice already in the 2018 league season. The “Boys in Purple” knocked off NSC in the season opener, 2-0, at Slugger Field, while Nashville beat City, also 2-0, at First Tennessee Park in early May.

The match also marks the club’s fourth straight at home in Open Cup play after hosting the Long Island Rough Riders (PDL), Saint Louis FC (USL), and New England Revolution (MLS). City swept past the lower division sides on a 6-0 aggregate score and defeated the Revs, 3-2, on Tuesday at Lynn Stadium.

Tickets for the Fifth Round start at just $17 and are available now to 2018 Season Ticket Members via phone at 502-384-8799, option 2, and via email at tickets@louisvillecityfc.com beginning Thursday at noon. General sale will be made available to the public on Friday, June 8. 

One of the nation’s oldest tournaments in any sport, the U.S. Open Cup also holds a place as one of the world’s longest continuously-running soccer competitions dating back to the inaugural run in 1914. Updates on the tournament—including live scores and the competition’s bracket—can be found on the tournament’s official Twitter (@OpenCup) and unofficial tracker (@USOpenCup)as well as on USSoccer.com and thecup.us.

Prizes for this year’s tournament include increases of $300,000 for the champion (previously $250,000); $100,000 for the runner-up (previously $60,000) and $25,000 for the team from each lower division that advances the furthest (previously $15,000), including PDL & NPSL sides. Besides lifting the historic Dewar Trophy as tournament winner in September, the champions will also earn a spot in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, the regional club championship tournament for teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

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

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About Louisville City FC
Since its launch in 2014, Louisville City FC has been committed to serving the community of Louisville and state of Kentucky as the lone professional soccer team.  The 2017 season marked the third year of play for LouCity in the United Soccer League (USL), a professional soccer league based in the United States and Canada. On October 26, the Louisville Metro Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new soccer-specific stadium in the Butchertown neighborhood with a projected opening slated for March 2020.

Finishing in the top five in average attendance in the USL at Slugger Field since 2015, LouCity’s remarkable 2017 campaign included winning the USL Cup in the club’s first appearance in the final. Get the latest news on LouCity FC at LouisvilleCityFC.com and via the club’s channels on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.­­

goalscorer Brian Ownby speaks to the media following city’s 3-2 win over the New England Revolution:

GOALSCORER Oscar Jimenez SPEAKS TO THE MEDIA FOLLOWING CITY’S 3-2 WIN OVER THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION:

coach James O’Connor addresses the media after city’s 3-2 win over the New England Revolution

A 3-2 win over the New England Revolution in the Fourth Round of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup does not even begin to tell the tale of City’s incredible USOC performance against Major League opposition. Yet, three goals—one from Oscar Jimenez, one from Cameron Lancaster, and one from Brian Ownby—set the city ablaze with cheers as the “Boys in Purple” advanced to a coveted place in the USOC Round of 16.

What Happened?

In front of over 5,000 fans at Lynn Stadium, Louisville City FC dominated the New England Revolution in the club’s first-ever competitive meeting with Major League Soccer opposition. 

Conceding just five minutes in, City was quick to respond as the attack continued to pile pressure on the Revs goal. After narrowly missing high minutes earlier, midfielder Oscar Jimenez would put the equalizer in the back of the net after 11 minutes. Serving from a wide position, midfielder Brian Ownby—one of many sparkplugs in City’s attack—served in a cross on a platter for Jimenez, who hit the ball at the first time of asking to beat Revs ‘keeper Brad Knighton.

In keeping the ball high up the pitch, opportunities would then fall for forward Cameron Lancaster, Brian Ownby, and George Davis IV, though none would convert to put City ahead. Just before the half-hour mark, the Revs found their second goal via a LouCity own goal. However, still not to be deterred, City’s press paid off as they would find a second equalizer before 40 minutes thanks to Lancaster. Settling a pass from Jimenez, the Englishman darted between a pair of defenders and produced an untouchable finish at the far post.

At the break, the pair shared the spoils.

Into the second half, City would not relent and continued to ask questions of the Revs’ defense. Shots from Devon “Speedy” Williams and George Davis IV would both end up just high of the crossbar and out, but only for a moment…

In the 63rdminute, Brian Ownby produced a world-class effort to put City ahead for good. Turning inside off a pass from Davis IV, Ownby darted around potential challenges before ripping an effort that found its way inside the top left corner of the goal. City wasn’t done, either, as substitutes Luke Spencer and Niall McCabe both had chances fall at their feet, though neither one managed to hit the net.

At the final whistle, Louisville City FC advanced to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 for the first time in club history, defeating the New England Revolution, 3-2.

The Round of 16 draw will be streamed live on Thursday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. on USSoccer.comand Facebook.com/OfficialOpenCup.

The Key Points:

• City’s error in the fifth minute allowed the Revs to find the scoresheet early on
• A perfect cross from Brian Ownby to Oscar Jimenez allowed the latter to find an equalizer after 11 minutes
• Revs went back in front after an own goal before the half-hour mark
• City found their second via Cameron Lancaster ahead of the break
• Brian Ownby scored the winner in the 63rdminute

What They Said

Midfielder Brian Ownby: “We saw what was working, came in at the half and kept going. Second half we kept stringing things together and it paid off. We’re proud of this team tonight.”

Midfielder Oscar Jimenez: “Not only did we win, but we also played really well. To pull it off against a quality side like [New England] shows that we’re catching on to what [coach] James [O’Connor] says.”

Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)

Louisville City FC 3 : 2 New England Revolution
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Lynn Stadium | Louisville, KY
80 degrees / sunny

Scoring Summary:
NE – Mark Segberg 5’
LOU – Oscar Jimenez (Brian Ownby) 11’
NE – Own Goal 26’
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (Oscar Jimenez) 37’
LOU – Brian Ownby (George Davis IV) 62’

Disciplinary Summary:
LOU – Oscar Jimenez 85’
NE – Juan Agudelo 90+4’

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Tim Dobrowolski (GK); Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Pat McMahon; Paolo DelPiccolo; Kyle Smith, Devon “Speedy” Williams, George Davis IV (Niall McCabe 70’), Brian Ownby (Magnus Rasmussen 78’); Cameron Lancaster (Luke Spencer 75’)

Bench: Chris Hubbard, Shaun Francis

On the break:
“Great. I think we managed to get some rest into the guys, got a couple of guys that are starting to get back a little bit, so we’re really pleased. The training, I think, the last few days, I’ve been really encouraged by the level of intensity in the training, so it’s been very good.”

On the excitement facing New England:
“Look, I think it’s a fantastic occasion for us, to be able to have an MLS team come to Louisville. And obviously to host, I think, our last experience obviously with Chicago a couple years back where we actually played very well on the night, we were very unlucky not to get it at the end of the game. So, I think for us, it’s fantastic that we’re going to be able to play against an MLS team and play in front of our own supporters, it’s something we’re all excited about.”

On his expectations for a ruckus atmosphere:
“I hope so. I think our supporters do a great job of making it a pretty intimidating place. Our supporters have been fantastic since our time here, I think they really get behind the guys, the passion that they bring. It’s a game we’re really excited for, and I think everyone is looking forward to it.”

On the challenges of facing New England:
“I think they have a lot of quality, they have a lot of pace in the team. I think the challenge for them and for us is trying to figure out what their team will be. Obviously, they played on a Wednesday, played Saturday, they play us, then they play Chicago… So, for them, maybe trying to figure out squad rotation, I’m sure that’s going to be something they spend a lot of time discussing. For us, then, trying to try to gauge which ones do we think may play, which ones do we think may not play. And honestly, we could drive ourselves mad trying to figure that out so, it’s, again, control what you can control, which is our training and our level of performance and try to be ready for that, and you know whatever team they put out there they’ll be full of quality and full of pace I’m sure.”

On what a win would mean to the club:
“Look, I think any sort of round of the Open Cup garners a lot of national attention as well, so I think that’s something for our players, there’s a desperation to go and perform well against an MLS team. I think, when you look at our guys, they obviously have aspirations to go and play in MLS, and now to play against an MLS team, it’s a great opportunity for our guys to go and showcase their talent. Hopefully, they can perform at the levels that they have been, and we can all be very proud of the performance.”

On playing at Lynn Stadium:
“Well, again, we’re very thankful to everyone at U of L for allowing us to play there, very appreciative of the fact that they’re kind enough to let us go ahead and utilize that stadium. So again, a massive thank you to everybody there. Certainly, we’ve enjoyed our games there previously that’s for sure.”

On the scheduling and how it affects goals by this break or that:
“We don’t have long-term goals, when we’re actually trying to look at things, we’re more a case of next game, but obviously when you don’t have a game at the weekend, that’s something that you try to prep and plan for. But again, it was an unknown really, because you’re never quite sure in a cup competition, are you still going to be in the cup competition or are you going to be out? For us, it’s more a case of just, you know, week by week making sure our process is the same, and that there’s a real intention about our work ethic and our intensity.”

On what he did in the off week:
“The guys actually got some days off, which was lovely. I think badly needed for a number of guys, so we managed to get a couple that are starting to near fitness. Still, Richard [Ballard], he’s getting closer, he’s not quite there…[Shaun] Franno’s doing a little bit better…so we’ve managed to get the guys that had aches and pains, to get them sort of back on the, I would say, on the fence, really, where they’re close but maybe not quite ready. A couple of others that have picked up little niggles so we’ll have to wait and see who they are. But again, it’s part of it, it’s the way it goes.”

Louisville City FC continues its historic run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a fourth-round matchup against MLS side New England Revolution. This is just the second time Lou City will take on an MLS club in a competitive match, and the first time an MLS club has traveled to Louisville. New England Revolution won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup.

City is looking to continue its four-match unbeaten streak, which most recently includes a 1-0 victory over Saint Louis FC in the third round and a massive 2-0 victory on the road against FC Cincinnati which saw the boys in purple go top of the USL Eastern Conference table.

When & Where
The match will take place on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Louisville’s Lynn Stadium.

LouCity will air the match live on Bounce TV as well as stream on WAVE3.com and via Facebook Live on WAVE3’s official page. City fans can enjoy the stylings of Mike Watts and Dylan Terry on the call.

Over the airwaves, iHeart’s 1080 WKJK has the action with Jeff Greer and Kevin Kernen on the call. Fans can also stay up-to-date on all things LouCity by following the club on Twitter & Instagram.

TV: Bounce TV
RADIO: 1080 WKJK
STREAM: WAVE3.com

DOWNLOAD: LouCity app for iOS | LouCity app for Android

Last Time Out
Louisville City FC leapfrogged FC Cincinnati atop the USL Eastern Conference thanks to a dominating 0-2 victory at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, May 26.

City opened the scoring in the 15th minute when forward Cameron Lancaster earned a free kick in an excellent position just outside the FC Cincy penalty area. The sharpshooter then slotted a free kick underneath the wall and past the keeper to give Lou City the lead. Midfielder George Davis IV doubled the visitors’ lead in the 73rd minute when George Davis IV, having been on the field just seven minutes, took a strike from outside the box that deflected off two Cincinnati defenders and looped over the keeper’s diving figure and into the back of the net.

– U.S. OPEN CUP: LouCity hosts MLS side New England Revolution Fourth Round –

Rewind against MLS competition
Louisville City FC has only ever faced two MLS sides in the club’s history. In a 2015 friendly match before the club began its inaugural season, City defeated Orlando City SC 3-1 in front of an electric crowd at Louisville Slugger Field. Goals from Matt Fondy, Juan Guzman, and Charlie Adams sealed the win for Lou City.

That same season, in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, City traveled to Chicago to take on Chicago Fire. The two clubs fought tooth and nail into extra, but a late winner from Chicago Fire sent Louisville City FC home with a 1-0 defeat. 

James O’Connor’s pre-match press conference

On his biggest takeaways from the win against FCC:
“I think we’re very pleased with the level of control we had in the game. I thought we gave a very strong performance. I think, great credit to the players who put in that amount of effort, and I think when you look at the spirit that we showed, it was fantastic. It was the last game of a big run of games in a very short period. I think we can be very pleased with the players’ mentality and obviously their level of performance”

On the mentality going into this rest period:
“Well, this period I think we need to maximize the time. We need to try and get some recovery, it obviously gives us a chance to see where we are with [Shaun] Franno, see where we are with Richard [Ballard], Speedy [Williams] picked up a little bit of a niggle in his groin, so hopefully, we can get that tidied up. Obviously, we don’t play now until Tuesday against New England, so it gives us a little bit of time to try and manage the training load, which I think is important. And I think for us the guys have got such a huge desire to be successful, so I think for us its always approaching the game with the right mentality and then as teachers and coaches trying to make sure we give enough information that allows them to be able to build upon the foundation for success.”
 

On the players’ mindsets:
“I think for us, again, it’s a process. We follow the process. We’re very strict with it. Generally, for us the week is Monday: analysis, Tuesday: we start dropping information in on the opposition. So, you know whether you win or whether you lose, obviously you want to win, but I think for us we try to be very consistent in our approach. I think when you lose its an opportunity to learn. So, try and figure out why you lost and then try and position that so there’s a better understanding. And when you win, try to make sure that you understand why you won, and then equally try and make sure your preparation is akin to the last Saturday that you’ve won from. It’s always trying to deliver our messages in a way that’s productive to the players.”

On the confidence level staying high during the break:
“I think for us, with the amount of injuries that we’ve had, we need to try and utilize this as a little rest period. But we’ll get the rest, but particularly when we’re training, we’ll be training. The guys know when we’re training we’re training hard, so I think our head is always down and we’re always driving forward.”

Team News

Questionable – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)
Questionable – Shaun Francis (hamstring)