The boys in purple continue a number of trends as seen throughout the second half of the season, though one in particular stood out on Saturday – taking the late lead in a tightly contested ball game.
This time, the second half dramatics came from Brian Ownby, who was substituted in for George Davis IV at the half.
“Regardless if it’s zero-zero or we’re down one, we’ve just got to keep fighting and we know we’ll get that opportunity and we’ve just got to put it on frame,” said Ownby.
Rochester recorded 9 total shots in the first half compared to Louisville City’s 3, leading to tactical changes from head coach James O’Connor himself. As Ownby started the second half, so did midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye.
With the Rhinos’ press slowly turning to a defensive effort, Louisville City would get off 9 shots in the second half to Rochester’s 4, with 6 of their shots on frame.
“I thought we started to commit to the game more, we started to get some shots off, keeper definitely was able to make some key saves,” said Coach O’Connor. “I thought really, it’s very corny to say, but if ever there was a game of two halves, that was it.”
It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that the Louisville City pressure began to weigh on the Rhino defense. An Oscar Jimenez attempt began a 15-minute period that saw his club take five shots on target to Rochester’s one, including Ownby’s goal.
Ownby’s strike proved to be the sole goal of the game, and that was all his club needed to advance to the conference championship yet again.
“I thought we had good spells,” said Ownby. “Obviously every game you can critique and say there’s times to play better. But to play in the playoffs one game at a time, in the end it’s just about getting that win, regardless if it’s pretty or ugly.”
Here’s more from the match…
- Once again, it were substitutions that lead the charge for Louisville City, something Coach O’Connor has been able to implement as his club returns to the Eastern Conference championship.
“Brian was really unfortunate not to start the game, but Brian’s ability to come on and impact the game has been so powerful for us.”
- The boys in purple had a higher passing percentage in the first half at 75.1% accuracy, though Coach O’Connor thought his club showed more aggression in the second half of play.
“I think first half, we’re passing the ball, but I think we’re passing it without really a purpose. We like to have possession with a purpose.”
- Louisville City’s win placed the club in the Eastern Conference championship for the third straight year in just their third year of existence. The club will take on the New York Red Bulls II on Saturday at 7:30 pm.
