News

Don’t miss the LouCity merch truck traveling around our City ahead of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday night at Slugger Field! 

Get the latest City gear and tickets to Friday’s conference finale as we defend our cup and our City!

Tuesday, oct. 30

11 AM – 3 PM: Foot of the Big Four Walking Bridge

WEdnesday, oct. 31 & Thursday, nov. 1

11 AM – 9 PM: Oxmoor Mall – Popup Shop

friday, nov. 2

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: 3rd & Main Street
1:45 PM – 3 PM: Outside Slugger Field
3 – 5 PM: LouCity Tailgate (Preston St)
 

LOUISVILLE – No. 2-seed Louisville City Football Club announced today that it will host No. 5-seed New York Red Bulls II in the Eastern Conference Final on Friday, Nov. 2 at Slugger Field. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET with local broadcast details still to be announced.

Ticket sales for the Eastern Conference Final clash began on Sunday. Fans can purchase tickets to the match for just $10 online at www.LouisvilleCityFC.com/Playoffs or by phone at 502-LOU-CITY.

LouCity locked down its place in the final stage of conference play for the fourth straight season with a dominant 2-0 win over Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, October 27, while NYRBII secured a third straight trip to the conference final with a 1-0 win against FC Cincinnati in Cincinnati on the same day.

LouCity was 1-0-1 against Red Bulls II in the 2018 regular season. City split a point with the “Baby Bulls” in a wild 3-3 draw at Slugger Field on Saturday, June 30, with midfielder Magnus Rasmussen’s stoppage-time equalizer preventing the visitors from stealing all three points. City then blistered Red Bulls II for six goals in a 6-4 win on Friday, August 10, with forward Cameron Lancaster scoring his first hat-trick of the year in his first start since returning from injury. 

The matchup will mark the third consecutive year that Los Moradoswill take on NYRBII and the second straight year the decider will be played in Louisville. Falling on penalties in the 2016 Eastern Conference Final, LouCity got its revenge in the 2017 Eastern Conference final, defeating Red Bulls II 4-3 on spot kicks.

Louisville City FC will train at 10:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Thurman-Hutchins Field, with the Thursday training session open to the media. LouCity coach John Hackworth as well as select players will be available to the media immediately following training. 

BUY NOW: LouCity vs New York Red Bulls II

For the fourth year running, Louisville City FC booked their place in the Eastern Conference Final, this time after shutting out Bethlehem Steel FC, 2-0, in front just over 6,800 at Slugger Field.

What Happened?
Hosting Bethlehem Steel FC for the second time this season, Louisville City FC spent their Saturday night in search for their fourth trip to the Eastern Conference finals in as many years of existence.

With temperatures dropping to the lower 50s by kickoff, Steel FC spent the first 20 minutes successfully pressing the home side and creating multiple scoring chances, one being a free kick in the 17th minute.

With a chance to strike first, Bethlehem’s James Chambers attempted to sneak one under the wall, failing to get the ball up and over the wall thanks to a strong defensive hold from LouCity.

Turning the page on the match, LouCity’s first chance yielded a goal as Brian Ownby slotted a brilliant one past the visiting goalkeeper Jake McGuire thanks to yet another Oscar Jimenez assist.

Neither side would find the back of the net the rest of the half as Louisville City entered the break with the 1-0 lead.

Both sides started the second 45 minutes in similar fashion to the first, with a continuous fight for possession as neither club found a true scoring opportunity.

However, after regaining possession in midfield in the 59th minute, LouCity’s Niall McCabe fed a fantastic through ball to Ownby in the open field, who eventually slipped another past McGuire and doubled the hosts’ lead.

The remaining 31 minutes of play were spent with few opportunities for the Steel as LouCity ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh and company recorded the clean sheet and knocked off Steel FC, 2-0.

With the win, the club advances to the USL Eastern Conference championship match against New York Red Bulls II. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm on Friday, November 2 at Slugger Field with tickets starting at just $10.

Key Points:

• After being held scoreless through USL regular season play, midfielder Brian Ownby recorded both LouCity goals.

Injury Report:
None

Louisville City FC 2 : 0 Bethlehem Steel FC
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Louisville Slugger Field | Louisville, KY
50 degrees / sunny
Attendance: 6,881

Scoring Summary:
LOU – Brian Ownby (Oscar Jimenez) 34’
LOU – Brian Ownby (Niall McCabe) 59’

Disciplinary Summary:
BTS – Santi Moar (caution) 57’
LOU – Kyle Smith (caution) 64’
LOU – Brian Ownby (caution) 79’
BTS – Olivier Mbaizo (caution) 83’
BTS – Ben Ofeimu (caution) 87’

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Alexis Souahy, Paco Craig, Oscar Jimenez, Kyle Smith; Paolo DelPiccolo (c), Brian Ownby, George Davis IV (Sean Totsch 88’), Ilija Ilic (Devon “Speedy” Williams 72’) Niall McCabe; Cameron Lancaster (Luke Spencer 81’)

Bench: Shaun Francis, Richard Ballard, Tim Dobrowolski, Magnus Rasmussen

On City’s defensive effort:
“I think our defense all game long, we gave up a little ground there for sure, but that’s credit to Bethlehem. They’re a good team and we knew they were going to come in and be a team that could possess the ball and find pockets. We just didn’t want to give up anything super dangerous and I don’t think we really did. There was one moment we got caught in transition – I think it was the 18th minute – that I wasn’t really pleased about. But aside from that, I thought all game long, really solid effort from our whole team on the defensive side of it which is a credit to them because I think, again, Bethlehem is a really good team and especially dangerous in transition. They have some dangerous, attacking players and really happy with that.”

On Brian Ownby finally scoring after being shutout through regular season play:
“It’s about time. I’m just joking. Teasing him because he’s done such a good job recently and he just hasn’t found the back of the net. He just hasn’t found that assist. All the time I say, ‘Look, it’s coming. It’s going to come and when it does, no better time than to do it in a playoff game like this’. So hopefully that opens up and I’ve said it in another context about Cam [Lancaster] being the guy that always scores, but we have guys that’ll step up in those moments and I think tonight was a night where Brian [Ownby] steps up. Last week was Niall [McCabe]. We can hurt you in a variety of ways and that’s – somebody had asked, ‘How can we get better?’ Well, that’s how we can get better. We can just make sure we share it around a little more and whoever gets that final act puts it in the back of the net.”

On the chance to host the Eastern Conference finals:
“It was a little nervous energy to be fair. But it was the right nervous energy because we had to respect Bethlehem. When you watch and literally see that Cincy loses that game and it gives a little bit – maybe we should be humble about this. Maybe we should make sure that that doesn’t happen to us. That’s the way I took it. That’s the message I tried to get to our guys and I think they took it in the right way and just focused on taking care of business here.”

In a year in which Louisville City FC experienced never-before-seen changes, transitioning from James O’Connor to the Triumvirate to John Hackworth, the club still managed to capture the No. 2-seed in the USL Eastern Conference.

One element of City’s success that persisted through the rollercoaster ride that is a 34-game season was a continuation of selfless play from Oscar Jimenez, who led his side in assists with six just a year ago.

Doubling last year’s total through the 2018 regular season, Jimenez again led LouCity in the assist column and added to that number in an impressive 4-1 route of Indy Eleven last Saturday in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal matchup.

Though still relatively fresh to this job specifically, LouCity coach John Hackworth has made light of Jimenez’s delivery on the ball and reiterated why it is an important part of creating chances for his side.

“It’s just his execution on service,” said Hackworth. “That’s a little bit of a lost art. It’s a pass, but you have to be precise with it and he’s obviously proven to be the best guy on our team, and again, probably one of the best guys in this league, for sure.”

His two assists in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs came off set-pieces – one corner kick and one free kick – both of which found midfielder Niall McCabe around the penalty box.

“[It] just gives you confidence when you get those moments,” added Hackworth. “You feel like you can fight through some of the more difficult times, but when you get a chance on a set-piece, you have that much more confidence.”

With confidence aplenty during opportunities that graced ‘El Mago’ on Saturday, Jimenez has shown fantastic capabilities with his service and continues to create several chances for his teammates through the full 90 minutes.

Plus, while consistently accurate on set-pieces, Jimenez also brings a number of other threats on the pitch that forward Luke Spencer says attributes to his overall quality of play.

“He’s good with both his right and left foot,” said Spencer on his teammate. “He’s good on corners. He’s good on any set-piece situation. He puts a good delivery into the box, so I think his overall quality helps him.”

Jimenez, and the rest of “Boys in Purple”, will need to continue their quality of play as the club hosts Bethlehem Steel on Saturday for an Eastern Conference semifinal. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm at Slugger Field.

For the second consecutive season, Louisville City and Bethlehem Steel FC lock up in the USL Playoffs at Slugger Field. Last year’s Quarterfinal matchup saw City advance with a comfortable 4-1 win, but this weekend’s game is shaping up to be a more dangerous challenge.

City enters the weekend off the back of a 4-1 thrashing of Indy Eleven in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal round, with goals from Niall McCabe (2), Ilija Ilic, and Cameron Lancaster putting an exclamation on City’s opening playoff game.

Meanwhile, the visitors come in having defeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last weekend via a penalty kick shootout. Taking a 1-1 game into extra time, Pittsburgh restored their lead in the 105th minute before Steel FC’s James Chambers pulled one back just four minutes later. It would take eight penalty tries for the Riverhounds to falter, while Steel FC held their ground all the way through to advance as one of two lower seeds in the Semifinal round.

TICKETS: Louisville City FC vs Bethlehem Steel FC – Saturday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 PM | Slugger Field

When & Where
The match is set to take place on Saturday, October 27 at Slugger Field with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The match will be aired on WBKI as well as streamed on ESPN+. Fans can listen to the match on 790 WKRD. Fans can also follow #LOUvBST on Twitter & Instagram.

TV: WBKI
RADIO: 790 WKRD 
STREAM: ESPN+

DOWNLOAD: LouCity app for iOS | LouCity app for Android

Where They Stand
#2 Louisville City FC:
18-6-9, 66 points – 2nd in EC 

#6 Bethlehem Steel FC:
14-12-10, 50 points – 6th in EC

Last Time Out
In their first-ever postseason matchup, Louisville City hosted rival Indy Eleven in the first round of the USL Cup playoffs a week after City defeated the visitors 1-0 at Slugger Field.

With strong winds in the area, both sides battled for possession through the first 25 minutes of play in search for the night’s opening goal.

It was Louisville City who found the back of the net first.

With his side dominating time of possession entering the 27th minute, midfielder Oscar Jimenez slipped a free kick through the penalty box, finding Niall McCabe who put his side up, 1-0.

14 minutes would pass before Louisville City added to their one-goal lead.

After regaining possession, forward Ilija Ilic fired a right-footed shot from the center of the box, slipping one past Indy Eleven ‘keeper Owain Fon Williams to double the lead.

LouCity entered the half up two goals to none.

Just three minutes into the second 45, a déjà vu-esque moment saw McCabe finish off another one thanks to a Jimenez free kick, putting Louisville City ahead, 3-0.

With his side down three goals, Indy’s Soony Saad finished a strong 67th minute run through Louisville City defenders and scored the first and only goal for the visitors.

As if his record-breaking season wasn’t enough, forward Cameron Lancaster ripped a deep, bending free kick 6 minutes later to regain the three-goal lead.

Neither side would find the back of the net over the remaining 17 minutes as Louisville City knocked off Indy Eleven, 4-1.

Coach John Hackworth’s pre-BST assessment
On facing a tough Steel FC side:
“I’m really impressed. Pittsburgh just doesn’t give up those goals, so for them to have given up two—give Bethlehem full credit. They pressed, put Pittsburgh in a tough position, then they executed… twice. I’m impressed by their mentality more than anything but also their belief. They just kept pushing and pushing and pushing and they earned a really impressive result.”

On the keys to the game:
“Bethlehem plays a similar style to us. [Coach] Brendan [Burke] and I worked together for many years so I think we have a lot of similar philosophies on how we want our teams to play, which is a good thing but is also difficult because he knows most of my secrets and how I want things to happen. I’m sure he’s doing everything he possibly can and he’s an extremely diligent coach in terms of doing all of his homework. It sets up as a really interesting battle between our two teams because of the similarities in style and our approach. At the end of the day, we have to give them absolute respect and there aren’t many teams that can get through a road test like that in the first round of the playoffs. We have to be ready for everything they are going to throw at us.”

On having not faced Steel FC during his tenure:
“Since I wasn’t here for either of [the past two meetings], I’m approaching this as a playoff game and the first time we’re seeing a team that, obviously having taken down a higher seed, we have to give them ultimate respect. I know coach Burke very well, I think he’s one of the best young coaches for sure in this league and so I’m trying to make sure our team is prepared to the best of our ability.”

On his relationship with Brendan Burke:
“We always have kept in touch. My oldest son in his first year was with Steel FC and went back and trained with Brendan. Obviously, that’s just one connection but we’ve stayed in touch and as he’s continued to take his coaching courses, we’ve stayed in touch. I feel like I’ve offered him advice when I can and I also wanted to pick his brain on the USL when I was looking at this opportunity in Louisville. There are a lot of different instances where we’ve reconnected and we know we can pick up the phone and reach each other at any moment.”

On the play of Oscar Jimenez this season:
“It’s just an execution on service, which is a little bit of a lost art. It’s a pass, but you have to be precise with it and he’s obviously proven that he’s the best guy on our team, and again, probably one of the best guys in this league, for sure.”

KY Lottery Kees to the Game
It’s another home playoff contest for City as they prepare for Cinderella-side Steel FC on Saturday. Take a look at the KEES to the Game for the Eastern Conference Semifinal:

1. Don’t let your guard down
2. Full throttle through the 90
3. Attack, attack, attack

Injury Report
None

An incredible 4-1 win over Indy Eleven in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 13 saw Louisville City FC move on to the next round!

Los Morados move into the EC Semifinal round where they will host Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, October 27 at Slugger Field, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are available by clicking the link below or by calling 502-LOU-CITY!

CLICK HERE FOR PLAYOFF TICKETS | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 – 7:30 PM

COLLEGE STUDENTS: You asked, we listened! We’re offering $5 tickets to all college students who purchase using a .edu email address! Follow the link below to secure your seats for the big one this Saturday

$5 COLLEGE STUDENT TICKETS

Louisville’s Lancaster Voted USL Player of the Month
Led league with four goals in October to set USL’s single-season goalscoring record

Louisville City FC forward Cameron Lancaster has been voted the USL Player of the Month for October as he led the league with four goals in three LouCity victories to set a new USL single-season goalscoring record and helped the side earn a fourth consecutive top-two finish in the Eastern Conference.

The award is Lancaster’s third monthly award this season after previously receiving the honor in April and August. The English forward scored in all three of Louisville’s wins in October, including a two-goal performance against North Carolina FC that rallied the side to a 2-1 win and saw him surpass former teammate Matt Fondy’s record for goals in a single season. The lone goalscorer in a 1-0 win to close the regular season against Indy Eleven gave Lancaster 25 goals to set a new mark in the league’s history. 

“Another moment to be proud of in getting October’s Player of the Month,” said Lancaster. “Thank you to the fans and everyone else that voted, it means a lot. Earning this award again though just shows the whole team’s consistency throughout the season to keep serving me with quality and this will help give us confidence going forward in the playoff game against Bethlehem this weekend.”

Lancaster received 50 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. San Antonio FC’s Ever Guzman took second place with 21 percent as he recorded three goals in three games for SAFC to close the regular season, while Reno 1868 FC goalkeeper Matt Bersano finished third with 14 percent after recording two shutouts in three games and 11 saves.

USL Player of the Month – October

For the second straight season, LouCity and Bethlehem Steel FC meet in the USL Playoffs at Slugger Field. Following City’s crushing 4-1 blow to Indy Eleven in one of last weekend’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Los Morados host Steel FC in the EC Semifinal after the visitors prevailed in a penalty shootout against Riverhounds SC on the same night.

Last Time against Bethlehem Steel FC
You’d have to turn the calendar a few months as a 0-0 draw all the way back on June 9 in Bethlehem was the last time the pair met in all competitions. City got the better of Steel FC in their lone visit to Louisville, a 3-1 win on April 28, but a frustrating stalemate four months back is the last occasion the two have crossed paths.

Scouting Steel FC
Though months have gone by since the last encounter between the two sides, Steel FC had largely remained in playoff contention right the way through to the end of the regular season. Getting a pair of results to help their cause, coach Brendan Burke’s side stole the No. 6-seed by getting a win of their own on that decisive Sunday, beating the Tampa Bay Rowdies at home to secure their playoff position.

Last weekend, they faced arguably one of the toughest sides in the whole of the Eastern Conference in Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and managed to prevail. Originally facing a 1-0 deficit thanks to a goal by Riverhounds SC midfielder Ben Zemanski, an equalizer from Michee Ngalina in the 70th minute would eventually force the two sides into extra time. Pittsburgh found the lead again through Hugh Roberts in the 105th minute only to have Steel FC’s James Chambers tie things up again in the 109th minute. 

Going down to the 8th penalty taker for each side, Pittsburgh’s Raymond Lee could not convert while Steel FC’s Olivier Mbaizo did and sealed his team’s place in the EC Semifinal.

Playoff Output
City got their playoff output in the attacking end off a strong start last Saturday by putting up four goals on Indy Eleven in the team’s first-round matchup. It marks the second straight season City scored four goals to begin their playoff run, starting last year’s USL Cup-winning campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over Steel FC at Slugger Field.

Time will tell if coach Hackworth & co., are able to keep up the scoring, though. City fans will remember a 1-0 win over Rochester Rhinos at this stage last year coming as one of the tightest encounters of the season, and Steel FC will have similar plans when they come to town on Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Slugger Field.

 Due to circumstances out of our control, LouCity has recently had to close the Team Store located on 4th Street Live! due to a building code violation detected by the fire marshal.

4th Street Live! is working to bring the building up to code and we will provide more information as early as next week as to a date. While the physical location is unavailable, the LouCity merchandise truck is making rounds across the City and can usually be found outside the main strip on 4th Street Live!. The club apologizes for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience in this process.