As far as early August games go, Saturday’s clash between Louisville City FC and the Charlotte Independence is a big one. The clubs meet for a 7 p.m. start in Matthews, N.C.
Here’s what to watch for…
Tune In
TV: WBNA TV-21 will air the game live and in high definition locally with Mike Watts, voice of the USL, on the call.
Radio: TJ Walker (play-by-play) and Jeff Milby (color commentary) will voice the action on NewsRadio 840 WHAS, with pregame coverage starting at 7:15 p.m.
Streaming: Watch live via the USL Match Center or at www.loucity.com.
Follow Along
For Starting XI information and in-game updates, check us out on social media. It’s @loucityfc on Twitter, Louisville City FC on Facebook and louisvillecityfc on Instagram. Vote for the Modelo Man of the Match on Twitter starting in the 75th minute.
Links
• DelPiccolo ‘an example’ for earning playing time
• Videos: O’Connor, players preview Saturday’s game
• USL announces regular-season expansion for 2018
• WLKY: LouCity prepares to take on Charlotte
• First place within reach for LouCity, Independence
Notes
Chasing Charleston: It’s now a three-way race for the top spot on the USL Eastern Conference table. With the No. 1 Charleston Battery kicking off against Toronto FC II at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, we’ll know by the start of LouCity at Charlotte whether a win would vault either to first. The boys in purple are 10-3-5, good for 35 points, with Charlotte one point up at 10-3-6. The Battery have accumulated 37 points but have played three more games so far than LouCity.
Last time they met: After ending its 2016 regular-season with draw against Charlotte Independence, LouCity posted a 1-0 victory in the June 7 rematch at Slugger Field. Louisville native Richard Ballard delivered the game-winning goal — his first in USL play — on a key assist from Brian Ownby. The Independence haven’t lost since.
A change in venue: Charlotte made the move from the Ramblewood Soccer Complex midway through this season to their new home at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The new stadium seats 2,500 fans — Charlotte typically fills it — and has a regulation-sized pitch, both wider and longer than the previous surface at Ramblewood. The Matthews, N.C., field will also at 3 p.m. Saturday host the PDL championship game between the Charlotte Eagles and Canada-based Thunder Bay Chill.
Entering in top form: On a streak of 10 straight games unbeaten, Charlotte enters Saturday off a decisive, 4-0 win over the Bethlehem Steel. The Curren run includes a stretch of six consecutive wins as well. LouCity’s also in solid form with back-to-back wins over Saint Louis FC and the defending USL champion New York Red Bulls II.
Craig honored: Paco Craig earned his first USL Team of the week honor of the season following last Saturday’s Man of the Match performance against New York. Craig headed in the first goal before going on to tally four tackles and three interceptions. That effort followed up the Saint Louis FC win, in which Craig also scored what ended up the game-winner on the road. Both his goals were assisted by fellow defender Oscar Jimenez.
Spencer rises: Subbed in during the 70th minute against the Red Bulls II, it took Spencer just 41 seconds to find the back of the net. He nearly connected on an initial corner kick. The next boot in from Paolo DelPiccolo resulted in a Spencer header for the win, also tying him for the team scoring lead at five goals. Spencer landed on the USL Team of the Week’s bench as a result.
Kaye key in return: LouCity’s Mark-Anthony Kaye had a CONCACAF Gold Cup title on his mind as recently as July 20. Two days later, he started for LouCity in his return to club from country. Kaye logged 73 minutes against Saint Louis FC and entered against New York as a substitute in his return from international duty, which included a start against Costa Rica in Gold Cup group play.
A shift in goal: Tim Dobrowolski returned between the posts against Saint Louis FC, making his first appearance since May 20, before Greg Ranjitsingh returned from a hip flexor injury suffered in the season opener. Dobrowolski has conceded just seven goals in 10 appearances this season, surrendering more than one goal in just a single game, a May 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He and Ranjitsingh remain in an open competition for the starting job.
Smith’s big season: Even after forced to sit out the July 22 Saint Louis game on yellow card accumulation, Kyle Smith continues to lead his team with 1,530 minutes played. That consistency on the right side of the field recently earned him USL Midseason Defender of the Year honors. His stats: a team-leading 7 blocks, 2 assists and 1 goal scored in the club’s first game against New York. Smith has gone the full 90 minutes in all 17 of his appearances.
Injury report: Coach James O’Connor said midfielder George Davis IV continues to receive treatment for a minor tweak to his right knee. Davis IV participated in training leading up to Saturday’s game and is questionable to appear for LouCity.
