TALKING POINTS: #LOUVBST
1) RECORD BREAKER?
Louisville City FC midfielder Niall McCabe has the potential to break one of the most cherished records a player can hold on Saturday. Should McCabe start or feature in the weekend’s match against Bethlehem Steel FC, 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.
2) Bring the Noise
Coach James O’Connor was quick to laud the hometown support during his Monday press conference, complimenting the noise and environment LouCity fans create on a matchday at Slugger Field.
“I think the great thing about playing in front of our supporters is the passion that they bring and the noise. It can become a very intimidating place for the opposition, which I think is important,” he said.
“… I think for us, we feel privileged that we’re able to play in front of such passionate supporters and we want to give our best and make the city proud and we continually try to do that.”
Against Bethlehem Steel FC at the weekend, the club is looking for the same gusto from its supporters that it received in games prior.
TICKETS: LouCity vs. Steel FC | Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
3) Bounce Back?
Though LouCity remains unbeaten through its opening five contests, O’Connor noted that because of the way last weekend ended in Atlanta, the result felt worse than a draw.
“In regards to the performance, I thought it was excellent,” said O’Connor.
“I think when you look at the quality of the chances we created and the play… God Almighty, we had some incredible chances and obviously, we’re very frustrated with the last minute and a couple of lapses of concentration which cost us two points.”
4) Last time against Steel FC
Last time Louisville City FC hosted Bethlehem Steel FC at Slugger Field, it was the beginning of the club’s USL Cup run towards the tail end of October. Tarek Morad (x2), Brian Ownby, and Luke Spencer were all on the scoresheet that day as LouCity swept through Steel FC, 4-0.
Though commanding a team with largely the same look, O’Connor’s focus on Steel FC at the weekend is primed off nothing more than the potential for three more points.
“They’re an interesting team. I’ve got a lot of respect for [coach] Brenden [Burke], he’s done a great job and they’ve obviously made the playoffs last year,” he said. “They’ve got some really good young players. The challenge when you play Bethlehem is—and obviously for Brenden first and foremost—is he’s never quite sure what players he has available.”
5) Ready to hit the road
After multiple home games to open the season, LouCity will face a stretch on the road that includes four games away from Slugger in five weeks following the contest against Steel FC. However, O’Connor preached that consistency in the team’s processes will not be sacrificed by the tests of traveling.
“My focus is on Bethlehem really and truly. We want to try to win whether we’re home or away and we focus on the next game, which is Bethlehem,” he said.
“After Bethlehem, we’ll look to the next one which is Indy, but after that, no. Our whole process at this stage is engrained. If we play on a Saturday, we start our processes on Monday and go right the way through.”
