There’s been a growing sense of urgency this week in training, Louisville City FC coach John Hackworth says, as the boys in purple prepare to host rival Indy Eleven.
“We’re in a position that, if we do what we’re capable of doing this Saturday night, we’re right back in the thick of things,” Hackworth said.
As those in the locker room express a concern transitioning their competitiveness from the training grounds to Lynn Family Stadium on game day, the boys in purple have a new weapon on their roster.
Forward Jason Johnson’s addition was announced July 27. The former Phoenix Rising standout said he’s looking to “add my little spice” to a club that has won two USL titles in the last three years.
What’s the recipe? Said Johnson: “electric play, one verses one ability, taking on players, and just helping my team offensively and defensively overall.”
The striker from Happy News, Jamaica, is a former MLS SuperDraft selection who scored nine goals for Phoenix in 2018, when the season ended with a loss to LouCity in the USL’s championship game.
Following an injury-riddled 2019 campaign, however, Johnson didn’t find his way on to a roster before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down play. A bleak outlook turned brighter upon the USL restart, when Johnson connected with LouCity’s coaching staff.
“I say it’s good timing,” he said. “Definitely the pandemic had a huge part to play on that, but even in a situation like that there are still positives to look at. One of the big ones is me being here.”
LouCity, at 2-3 overall and good for 6 points, sits fourth in the USL’s “Group E” from which the top-two finishers make the playoffs.
Off since July 29, the boys in purple haven’t lost much ground thanks to other results around the pod. Previously unbeaten Indy Eleven (15 points) has lost two of three, while Saint Louis FC (10 points) and Sporting KC (7 points) played to a draw Wednesday night in the latest group game.
Johnson’s available beginning Saturday to help with LouCity’s climb back up the ladder.
“I think it’s just football,” he said of recent results. “Looking from the outside and looking from the inside I think is the same perspective. It’s just trophies and it’s a team that wins and they’re looking to bounce back this week again.
“This year the league has been a bit shortened obviously, because of the pandemic, and that has hastened teams to be a little bit more consistent early on with their performances. I’m sure this week will be a different result.”
