Talking points: #ATLvLOU
1) PERFECT STILL
Louisville City FC capped off an incredible comeback against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at Slugger Field. Beating the Kickers 2-1 despite falling 0-1 in the first half, the win moves LouCity to the top of the Eastern Conference having collected 12 points from 12 possible.
Last week, O’Connor was quick to mention that the unbeaten beginnings had no bearing on his side. This week, though he expressed how pleased he was with the team’s efforts, he again played down their four wins in four matches:
“Honestly, there’s nothing in [the perfect start]. I’m focused on our next game. We’re looking at Atlanta, a very good team with young players and plenty of pace and ability. It will be a very good game and a tough game but we’re looking forward to it.”
2) THUNDER OVER ATLANTA?
LouCity has had the luxury of three home tests in their first four games. While the fireworks are popping off and celebration ensue for Thunder over Louisville, LouCity looks to set off their own show in Atlanta.
The team’s lone road contest produced perhaps their most impressive result of the year so far, a 0-1 win in front of over 25,000+ against FC Cincinnati. Against Atlanta United FC 2, the stakes are just as high–nothing more than three points.
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The hosts are also unbeaten through their first three games, the main difference between just one win in three so far. Both ATL UTD 2 and LouCity have scored six goals, while the hosts have conceded four goals compared to Louisville’s one. The “Boys in Purple” allowed just the one goal against the Kickers on Saturday, the first time anyone had scored on LouCity since last year’s remarkable playoff run.
3) sharing the wealth
Speaking of goals, six different Louisville City FC players have found their way on the scoresheet this year.
Those who followed the team closely last year will remember that, by season’s end, every single outfield player on the roster had found the back of the net at least once. Through four games in 2018, they are well on pace for the same.
While it isn’t a goal of O’Connor’s sides to have each member hit the back of the net, it’s an area where he is pleased to have that many options:
“I think it shows the character of the guys. When you look at the team, we’ve got multiple players that can step up and score and do. The beauty of what we have here is that we have such a together group and everyone has really bought into what we’re doing here. They push each other.
Look at the guys that came off the bench. The impact that they had on the game was their desire to go on and help their teammates and really push. That’s what we need–that sort of spirit and character and mentality throughout the year.”
4) UNCHARTERED WATERS
One of the most difficult tests for LouCity this weekend will be facing a side they haven’t previously seen, which is the case for newcomers Atlanta United FC 2.
Forward Jon Gallagher will present the biggest threat to O’Connor’s impressive defense. The former University of Notre Dame standout has scored three goals in two appearances, including two against New York Red Bulls II on March 24.
