Tonight’s Broadcast Info:
Local Radio: Kevin Kernen and Jeff Greer on TalkRadio1080
Radio Stream: iHeartRadio app
Local TV: WMYO-TV, MyTV58
National TV: ESPN3
Your Louisville City FC Boys in Purple will kick off Derby Week right Tuesday night at Slugger Field vs. Memphis 901 FC.
Tuesday night’s match is a special one for coach John Hackworth as his son, Morgan, is a likely starter for Memphis 901.
“It isn’t tough for me at all – I want to win,” LouCity coach John Hackworth said. “But it is tough on my wife. She is conflicted right now – she loves her son and wants him to do well … but I told her that if she wasn’t wearing purple tonight she’s in trouble.”
Hackworth and LouCity played vs. Memphis 901 in a preseason friendly down in Nashville with LouCity taking that match 4-2. Since then, LouCity has had a string of injuries that has hampered their early-season progress.
Starters Luke Spencer, George Davis IV, Paolo DelPiccolo and Brian Ownby have all been out with injuries along with key subs Tim Dobrowolski, Richard Ballard, Sunny Jane and Chris Hubbard. But Hackworth said Louisville City appears to be getting healthier in preparation for Tuesday night’s match.
“We should have Luke (Spencer) and George (Davis IV) back for Memphis so that will help us,” Hackworth said. “I have said it before, but you couldn’t make up this run of bad luck we’ve had if you tried. Having four forwards out and both backup goalkeepers out at the same time has been tough, but our guys have battled through it.”
Louisville City brought on a new goalkeeper last week, Brian Holt, a collegiate All-American from Creighton who played for Hackworth in Philadelphia.
As for Memphis, the 901 have struggled to start the season, but Hackworth said they are still dangerous.
“They haven’t had a good run of results recently, but they are No. 1 in our league at creating chances to score,” Hackworth said. “They are a dangerous team that is desperate for a win. It is a very important game for both teams.”
Pregame festivities are available at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Fest-A-Ville chow wagon at Waterfront Park before the March to the Match begins at 6:30. Tuesday night’s is nearing record ticket levels for a midweek game as the Derby fever includes a LouCity professional soccer match this year.
“People are amazed by the atmosphere and the environment around the game – it’s fun. Whether you are a soccer die-hard or a casual fan, I think you’ll have a great time at our games.”
Louisville City games are typically broadcast locally on WBKI-CW, but tonight’s match will be on WMYO/MyTV58. It is also ESPN’s USL Championship Game of the Week and will be available nationally on ESPN3. The radio broadcast will be on 1080 WKJK.
