Louisville City FC hosted Indy Eleven on Saturday for a 2-1 defeat at Lynn Family Stadium with the final scoreline perhaps misrepresenting what was a statistically superior evening for the boys in purple.
Penalty drama stole the show as both of Indy’s shots on target were taken from the spot in a game LouCity otherwise dominated.
Midfielder Corben Bone opened the scoring just before the half by smashing a shot off the post following a deflection by Cameron Lancaster. But over the final 45 minutes, Indy forward Jordan Hamilton converted both his penalty tries — in the 63rd and 89th minutes — to lead his side to a win.
A win on the night would have sent LouCity to first place in the USL Championship’s Central Division. Now, though, the boys in purple are fourth, holding the final playoff spot early in the campaign with a game in hand on third-place Atlanta United 2, next weekend’s opponent.
Here’s what we learned Saturday…
Indy’s defense tough to crack
Indy Eleven’s spot kicks were two of just five shots throughout the whole game for the visitors.
LouCity coach Danny Cruz, understandably disappointed, said he was “obviously really frustrated to lose here at home. I thought we were the better team and the issues that they caused we worked through all week. We talked about transition, talked about being responsible with the ball.”
Indy Eleven sat back most of the game, lining up five defenders when LouCity was on the ball and only sending a few players forward at a time to attack in the form of their pacy wingers and striker.
This standoffish approach made penetration of their back line difficult and transition play strenuous for City. It showed especially in the second half after the equalizing and winning spot kicks from Indy.
“[Cruz] comes out with a good game plan we work on for the whole week.” said LouCity defender Pat McMahon. “They probably sat back a little more than we were thinking but we adjusted and then halftime, [Cruz] gave us what we should have done and we didn’t execute it.”
A solid shift from Bone
The 32-year-old veteran midfielder was voted Man of the Match for his efforts, likely a product of his first half goal. But Bone was prominent in other areas, too.
Bone led LouCity in shots on target and passed with an 87.5% accuracy, tops in the home side’s midfield. He contributed two open play crosses and created a chance for the boys in purple outside of the goal.
Bone has, in the past, taken some time to get into peak form. But he caused enough problems Saturday — also gaining possession from Indy five times — to think Bone is poised to contribute to more goals soon.
Penalties spoil an otherwise good night
Clearly, the statistics show a dominant performance from the boys In purple and a confident offensive plan despite the defeat. While execution was lacking in the final third, and the offense tended to repeatedly work down the wings than find more creative solutions up the middle, the approach generated chances.
LouCity finished by holding 65% of possession and tried 18 shots. The club’s 22 crosses were five more than were tried a week ago in a win over San Diego Loyal, too.
Not only did City’s offensive stats increase from last time out. Their defensive numbers did, too, with 43 duels won and 12 tackles compared to 37 and 11 against San Diego. Of course, that’s a pair of defensive gaffes leading to penalties notwithstanding.
“I was really proud of how we played in the first half — didn’t concede a shot, really, really proud of the group,” Cruz said. “Ultimately, you end up losing two to one so it doesn’t matter how beautiful the football was in the first half.”
