News

Louisville City FC dropped their first contest of the season in Derby Day’s 1-0 loss at Indy Eleven, but their drive and determination to push forward may now be stronger than ever.

In a week that has gone well for LouCity so far, head coach James O’Connor earned USL Coach of the Month for an unbeaten April. In addition, forward Cameron Lancaster bagged USL Player of the Month after four goals in as many games.

Despite learning their fate in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, LouCity’s focus is completely on Sunday’s massive clash against Nashville SC. 

When & Where

First Tennessee Park plays host to #NSHvLOU on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. ET, 5:00 p.m. local time. The match will be LouCity’s first trip to Music City but second game in total against Nashville SC, with the first coming in the form of a 2-0 win to open the season at Slugger Field on March 17.

WBKI-CW will show the afternoon clash local to Louisville while 840 WHAS airs the match live from Nashville. Fans can also follow the match live on Twitter & Instagram.

TV: WBKI-CW
RADIO: 840 WHAS
STREAM: ESPN+

DOWNLOAD: LouCity app for iOS | LouCity app for Android

Last Time Out

Louisville City FC lost their first match of the 2018 season in a scrappy, 1-0 battle with Indy Eleven in front of 9,008 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Tight from the beginning, LouCity and Indy Eleven played out to nearly 80 scoreless minutes of action before a penalty was given against LouCity defender Paco Craig for apparently handling the ball in the box. 

Stepping up to kick, Indy Eleven’s Ayoze sent LouCity ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh the wrong way to put the hosts in front. As the “Boys in Purple” fought their way back, their best chance of the night came at the end of five-plus minutes of stoppage time. Swinging a ball into the box, forward Luke Spencer watched as his header flashed just wide of the post and out.

The result saw LouCity’s record move to 5W-1D-1L and down to second in the Eastern Conference, though with a game in hand.

U.S. OPEN CUP: LouCity to face Long Island Rough Riders at Lynn Stadium

Rewind against NASHVILLE SC

The season opener at Slugger Field saw the “Boys in Purple” ultimately break down Nashville SC in a 2-0 win back in mid-March.

Forward Luke Spencer opened the scoring in the 56th minute off a Niall McCabe cross, and McCabe turned from provider to scorer in the 66th minute, tapping home a square ball from Oscar Jimenez.

Nashville would test ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh a couple of times, but the man in goal refused to be beaten in earning his first clean sheet of the year.

KY Lottery Kees to the Game

A trip to the Music City means LouCity faces a vital test against Nashville SC. A few Kees to the Game presented by Kentucky Lottery:
1. All about the response
2. Stick to the game plan
3. Find your space

James O’Connor’s pre-match press conference:

On his side’s entrance into the 2018 U.S. Open Cup:
“We excited and we’re certainly looking forward to the Open Cup. We certainly want to thank [UofL men’s soccer head coach] Ken [Lolla] and everybody over at UofL for allowing us to go and play there. I think it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to access to that stadium and that field so again, many thanks to UofL for all of their help with that. But, that’s Wednesday, we have a big game on Sunday so our eyes are fixed on that.”

On injury updates ahead of the Nashville trip:
“[Kyle Smith] obviously got a knock and had to get his eye glued and then went back on, but he’s a tough lad. We’re really pleased with how he’s been and great to Kyle for just getting on with it. I thought he could’ve done with some stitches but he was able to get it glued and get back in there. That’s the type of attitude that we want to see and it’s great that we have that with Kyle.”

On regrouping after the team’s first loss of the season:
“I think the biggest thing for us is the intensity in training, it’s been great. I think looking at Nashville, they’ve obviously got a lot of experience. The field there is a little narrower than what we’re used to playing on, so for us, it’ll be an interesting test because they’ve got some really good players, a very good coach, and it’s another regional rivalry. It’s a game we’re excited about and really looking forward to.”

On playing narrower:
“I think when we’re at our best we look to be big–as big as we can get–we’re very expansive. I think when it’s like that, it gives teams a chance to get men around the ball a little easier to pressure. But [Nashville] have been playing well, they’ve got some good results, some good football, so we need to be very mindful of them and to obviously make sure that what we need to do this week in regards to our training load and our intensity makes us prepped and ready to go for what will be a very tough game on Sunday.”

On if it’s easier to prepare having already played Nashville this year:
“I think the challenge was, in the first game of the season you’re never quite sure—brand new team, brand new franchise—you have maybe an idea of what you think you might get but you’re not sure. They’ve changed formation in the last couple of games so again, who’s to say they won’t change formation against us? We’ll just have to wait and see how the game goes. I’ve got a lot of respect for [Nashville SC coach] Gary [Smith], he’s a very experienced coach. They have very experienced players and they’ve signed David Edgar, who wasn’t involved the last time we played. For us, whether it’s Nashville or whatever team in the league, it’s going to be a very intense and very tough game, especially when you’ve got the regional rivalries with Cincinnati, Nashville, and Indy—they’re great games for us all to be involved in. We’re excited and looking forward to the game on Sunday.”

On being named Coach of the Month for April:
“It’s a testament to the players and to the work that [assistant coach] Daniel [Byrd] and [goalkeeping coach] Thabane [Sutu] have done. I get the title or award of Coach of the Month, but really the players have been exceptional. I think they deserve enormous credit and Daniel and Thabane, the work that they’ve been doing behind the scenes, I don’t think the two lads there get the credit they deserve. For me, I’m very pleased to accept it but I’m accepting it on behalf of the players and on behalf of Daniel and Thabane because they’ve been putting on some really solid work.”

On working with the University of Louisville for Lynn Stadium:
“It’s huge! For us, we obviously have our stadium coming in 2020 so for UofL to help us out like this, it’s massive. We’re very appreciative of the fact that we’re going to be able to go over there and play. We’re very grateful to them for helping us out and for solidifying the partnership. I get along great with Ken, have huge respect, great coach and he has a great program there. It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to get that for Wednesday.”

Team News

OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture, out for foreseeable future)
QUESTIONABLE – Shaun Francis (hamstring)

 Louisville City FC forward Cameron Lancaster has been voted the USL Player of the Month for April after a stellar second month of the season for the defending USL Cup champion. 

Lancaster recorded four goals in four games for Louisville over the past month, scoring in three of the club’s outings as City FC went 3-0-1 over the course of the month. The English forward is tied for fourth in the USL in goals this season going into this weekend’s action and is already halfway to his goal total for the 2017 season, during which he scored the game-winner in the club’s USL Cup victory against the Swope Park Rangers.

“I’m delighted to receive the award, but at the same time it’s a team effort,” Lancaster said. “If I don’t have the players around me to assist me with the goals and play well, then I can’t score the goals and play well myself, so I’m very happy to get it but it’s a full team effort and they deserve the credit.”

“I’m delighted for Cam, he’s had a phenomenal month,” added Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor, who on Wednesday was named USL Coach of the Month for April. “He’s been playing really, really well so I’m delighted to see him get the award. I think it’s fully deserved and we’ve been really pleased with how he’s been performing.”

Lancaster received 45 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLSoccer.com. North Carolina FC forward Daniel Rios finished second with 23 percent, and Orange County SC goalkeeper Andre Rawls finished third with 17 percent. 

USL Player of the Month – April

Louisville City FC begins its quest in the 105th edition of the historic Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 16!
 
The U.S. Open Cup is a single elimination competition and is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. If LouCity advances far enough in the competition, there is a possibility that Louisville City FC would host an MLS team here in Louisville.  
 
The “Boys in Purple” face the Long Island Rough Riders at the University of Louisville’s Lynn Stadium on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 PM ET.

Tickets are available now to 2018 Season Ticket Members only!
 
Ticket Prices for the match at Lynn Stadium are as follows:
GA Sideline: $15
Bleachers & Berm: $12
 
For Groups of 10 or more:
GA Sideline: $12
Bleachers & Berm: $10
 
The Coopers will be located in the bleachers behind the East goal.
Scouse’s House will be set up behind the West goal.
 
To purchase your tickets for LouCity’s entrance into one of the most exciting competitions in professional soccer:

Call – 502-384-8799, option 2
Email –  tickets@louisvillecityfc.com.

On his side’s entrance into the 2018 U.S. Open Cup:
“We excited and we’re certainly looking forward to the Open Cup. We certainly want to thank [UofL men’s soccer head coach] Ken [Lolla] and everybody over at UofL for allowing us to go and play there. I think it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to access to that stadium and that field so again, many thanks to UofL for all of their help with that. But, that’s Wednesday, we have a big game on Sunday so our eyes are fixed on that.”

On injury updates ahead of the Nashville trip:
“[Kyle Smith] obviously got a knock and had to get his eye glued and then went back on, but he’s a tough lad. We’re really pleased with how he’s been and great to Kyle for just getting on with it. I thought he could’ve done with some stitches but he was able to get it glued and get back in there. That’s the type of attitude that we want to see and it’s great that we have that with Kyle.”

On regrouping after the team’s first loss of the season:
“I think the biggest thing for us is the intensity in training, it’s been great. I think looking at Nashville, they’ve obviously got a lot of experience. The field there is a little narrower than what we’re used to playing on, so for us, it’ll be an interesting test because they’ve got some really good players, a very good coach, and it’s another regional rivalry. It’s a game we’re excited about and really looking forward to.”

On playing narrower:
“I think when we’re at our best we look to be big–as big as we can get–we’re very expansive. I think when it’s like that, it gives teams a chance to get men around the ball a little easier to pressure. But [Nashville] have been playing well, they’ve got some good results, some good football, so we need to be very mindful of them and to obviously make sure that what we need to do this week in regards to our training load and our intensity makes us prepped and ready to go for what will be a very tough game on Sunday.”

On if it’s easier to prepare having already played Nashville this year:
“I think the challenge was, in the first game of the season you’re never quite sure—brand new team, brand new franchise—you have maybe an idea of what you think you might get but you’re not sure. They’ve changed formation in the last couple of games so again, who’s to say they won’t change formation against us? We’ll just have to wait and see how the game goes. I’ve got a lot of respect for [Nashville SC coach] Gary [Smith], he’s a very experienced coach. They have very experienced players and they’ve signed David Edgar, who wasn’t involved the last time we played. For us, whether it’s Nashville or whatever team in the league, it’s going to be a very intense and very tough game, especially when you’ve got the regional rivalries with Cincinnati, Nashville, and Indy—they’re great games for us all to be involved in. We’re excited and looking forward to the game on Sunday.”

On being named Coach of the Month for April:
“It’s a testament to the players and to the work that [assistant coach] Daniel [Byrd] and [goalkeeping coach] Thabane [Sutu] have done. I get the title or award of Coach of the Month, but really the players have been exceptional. I think they deserve enormous credit and Daniel and Thabane, the work that they’ve been doing behind the scenes, I don’t think the two lads there get the credit they deserve. For me, I’m very pleased to accept it but I’m accepting it on behalf of the players and on behalf of Daniel and Thabane because they’ve been putting on some really solid work.”

On working with the University of Louisville for Lynn Stadium:
“It’s huge! For us, we obviously have our stadium coming in 2020 so for UofL to help us out like this, it’s massive. We’re very appreciative of the fact that we’re going to be able to go over there and play. We’re very grateful to them for helping us out and for solidifying the partnership. I get along great with Ken, have huge respect, great coach and he has a great program there. It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to get that for Wednesday.”

Louisville City FC’s James O’Connor has been voted the USL Coach of the Month for April as he led the defending USL Cup champion to an undefeated record that saw Louisville record its best start to a season in club history. 

The USL Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL National Media Panel and the USL Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

A two-time nominee for USL Coach of the Year, O’Connor led Louisville to a 3-0-1 record in the past month as the club claimed 16 out of 18 possible points to start the defense of its championship. The only Head Coach in the club’s history, O’Connor recently surpassed 60 victories in the USL regular season and USL Cup Playoffs since the start of the club’s inaugural season in 2015.

“Obviously, when you get Coach of the Month, it’s down the players,” said O’Connor. “When you look at how they have performed, they deserve enormous credit, and [assistant coach] Daniel [Byrd] and [goalkeeping coach] Thabane [Sutu] also. They’ve all done stellar work. I’d like to accept the award, but certainly on behalf of the players and Daniel and Thabane and the hard work that they’ve done as well.”

O’Connor received 53 percent of the poll to claim the award ahead of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Head Coach Bob Lilley on 43 percent. Lilley and the Hounds also had a strong month with a 3-0-1 record that saw the side concede only two goals as it moved into the top four in the USL Eastern Conference. 

TALKING POINTS: #NSHvlou
 

1) TEMPORARY SETBACK

After dropping last weekend’s contest against Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC has its sights completely forward on Sunday’s contest against Nashville SC, ready to go with a vengeance following the first loss of the season.

The “Boys in Purple” sit second in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand (16 pts) on first-place FC Cincinnati (17) and will return to Nippert Stadium for a second time at the end of May. However, the focus remains completely on Nashville and what the team can do to improve moving forward.

Coach James O’Connor emphasized to the media on Monday how his team is already at work assessing what changes lie ahead:
“When you get a game like that, you want to give a really strong performance and we felt as if we were off. The easy thing for us to do is to give excuses or pass blame but for us, we try and find a reason and sit down and go through it. The guys want to get better, so for us as coaches, it’s important that we spend our time dissecting the game to give good information and making sure the reasons we’re giving them are correct.”

2) INJURIES ABOUND

The injury bug has not been kind to LouCity through the first few weeks of the season but the team refuses to use that as an excuse by any means. 

O’Connor also spoke about availability and the adjustments his team will make again to adapt to their current circumstances:
“What we do need to do this week with playing on a Sunday and then in the Open Cup on Wednesday and then the following Saturday, we need to make sure that we manage the players this week. The training load needs to be lighter certainly at the start of the week.”

LouCity won’t enter the historic U.S. Open Cup until Wednesday, May 16 but with three games in a span of six days, fitness and selection will be of paramount importance.

TICKETS: LouCity vs. Atlanta United FC 2 | Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m.

3) LAST TIME AGAINST NASHVILLE SC

Last time the “Boys in Purple” faced Nashville SC, goals from Luke Spencer and Niall McCabe helped guide the team to a 2-0 win over the visitors in the season opener at Slugger Field. Spencer scored the team’s first goal of the season off a Niall McCabe cross 56 minutes in, and McCabe’s tally off an assist by Oscar Jimenez just ten minutes later sealed the result. 

O’Connor noted how excited his team is by matches like this and what these matches in close proximity do for his side:
“For us, with Nashville being at home, I’m sure they’ll have a great crowd and it’s another local derby. It’s fantastic that we have this regional rivalry where you’ve got Indy, Cincy, and Nashville, so the rivalries we really look forward to, we’re excited, and it’s a game that we’re looking forward to.”

4) RECORD BREAKER?

Louisville City FC midfielder Niall McCabe has the potential to break one of the most cherished records a player can hold on Sunday. Should McCabe start or feature in the weekend’s match against Nashville SC, he would earn his 76th appearance in a LouCity shirt, taking over the number one spot on the club’s all-time appearance chart in all competitions.