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Louisville City FC earned a point on the road in a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United FC 2. The result sees the “Boys in Purple” stay unbeaten through five games in the USL campaign. Forward Cameron Lancaster scored for LouCity (2g, 3gm) while midfielder Andrew Carleton converted a spot kick for the hosts.

What Happened?

Dominating in the early goings, LouCity earned a free kick just outside the ATLUTD2 box. Stepping up, forward Cameron Lancaster was unfortunate not once but twice as his free-kick effort ricocheted off the wall before his header to follow fell narrowly wide of the far post.

As the “Boys in Purple” kept knocking close to the half-hour mark, another chance fell at the back post for Niall McCabe, but the midfielder was unable to get a nick on Kyle Smith’s cross from a wide position. City’s pressure continued to pile up when, in the 35th minute, they got their best chance of the half off of keen buildup play. Heading a whipped ball on the first time asking, Jimenez saw an effort blast off the crossbar and back into play for Lancaster, who could not keep the rebound down. Moments later, it was forward Ilija Ilic’s turn to hit the woodwork as he watched a curler with the outside of his boot smash off the bar and back in play.

Meanwhile, the visitors got their first real look at goal close to 40 minutes into the first half. Compiling bodies on the LouCity goal following a corner, the teams played pinball in the visiting penalty area before the “Boys in Purple” were eventually able to clear. LouCity went into the half locked up at zeroes with ATLUTD2.

Out of the half as the aggressors, LouCity had another pair of close looks in the opening ten minutes of the half. Defender Sean Totsch headed just wide off an Oscar Jimenez corner, and minutes later, Lancaster put a defender in the spin cycle but saw his effort saved by ATL ‘keeper Nicolas Caraux.

Against the run of play, the hosts were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark and elected midfielder Andrew Carleton to take. Stepping up to the spot, Carleton stuttered before sending his effort high and wide of the goalmouth to keep the score level.

In turn, persistence paid off for LouCity in the 66th minute. Streaking down the center, Lancaster settled a pass from Devon “Speedy” Williams before hitting a quick-fire effort past Caraux to open the scoring. The goal was Lancaster’s second in three matches after finding his first of the season in Cincinnati.

However, again against the run of play, Atlanta was awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Stepping up again, Carleton sent ‘keeper Greg Ranjitsingh the wrong way to level the scoring with just minutes remaining.

Despite great efforts from the “Boys in Purple” to find a goal at the death, they settle or a point and remain unbeaten through five games.

The Key Points:

• LouCity opened the scoring in the 66th minute on a goal from forward Cameron Lancaster, his second of the year
• Atlanta United FC 2 midfielder Andrew Carleton converted a spot kick just into stoppage time to level the scoring and seal a point for the hosts

O’Connor’s Takeaways:

Thoughts on the draw and evening overall:
“I thought overall our performance was very, very good. When you look at the chances we created, we should have won that game. We should have won that game by four or five goals. So, it’s obviously very difficult to take when you come in and you only get one.”

On the first half and attacking output:
“I don’t think we could do much more. We hit the woodwork three times, we had Cam [Lancaster] have a really good chance. As I said, we should’ve really come in three or four-nil up. I thought we completely dominated the first half. Second half, we still had some chances. We took our goal and looked like we were going to be the team to go on and win the game. They had two breakaways and we’ve been silly a couple of times there. We let them in when we shouldn’t let them in, especially late on like that. I don’t know if they are penalties, maybe they are and maybe they aren’t, I’ll need to see them. It’s a rough lesson for us because I thought at times our play tonight was excellent and we deserve three points. We let our concentration slip and we’ve been punished very dearly for it.”

On looking ahead:
“We need to learn from it. When you play as well as that and create that many chances, you should win the game. I think that we can certainly, in the end, gain an understanding and our ability to see the game out needs to be a little bit sharper. That’s where I need to do a better job of explaining myself and making sure we’re all on point with that little bit at the end. But, I don’t think anyone can say we didn’t deserve to win the game. We had chance after chance, but we need to be more clinical and we need to take our chances. We deserved three points but we’ve slipped up and let them back in at the end. We need to do a better job at that.”

On Cameron Lancaster:
“Cam is someone who can score goals. He’s very good technically and very strong, and I thought he worked very hard tonight. He deserved his goal. I thought at times he was very hard to play against. Equally, I thought the attacking midfielders in behind did very well and I think all-in-all when you look at the quality of our play at times and you look at our performance, it’s really, really difficult to take just a point from that.”

Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)
OUT – Shaun Francis (hamstring)

Atlanta United FC 2  1 : 1  Louisville City FC
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Coolray Field – Atlanta, GA
69 degrees / sunny
Attendance: 4135

Scoring Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (Devon “Speedy” Williams) 66′
ATL – Andrew Carleton (p) 90+1′

Disciplinary Summary:
LOU – Sean Totsch 44′
ATL – Oliver Shannon 51′
LOU – Devon “Speedy” Williams 84′

Starting XI (4-4-2): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Kyle Smith, Paco Craig, Sean Totsch, Alexis Souahy; Oscar Jimenez (George Davis IV 80′), Paolo DelPiccolo (c), Devon “Speedy” Williams, Niall McCabe (Brian Ownby 74′); Ilija Ilic (Magnus Rasmussen 63′), Cameron Lancaster

Bench: Tim Dobrowolski, Chris Hubbard, Luke Spencer

TAMPA (April 17, 2018) – For his efforts against the Richmond Kickers last weekend, Louisville City FC defender Kyle Smith earned a spot on the USL Team of the Week for Week 5.

Smith buried a crucial penalty to bring the “Boys in Purple” level in the second half and was part of a defensive midfield line that, in large part, stifled a number of chances for the visitors on the day.

In addition, midfielder George Davis IV, who scored the winning goal in stoppage time, was named to the TOTW bench.

See below for the full list of USL Team of the Week honorees:

USL Team of the Week

GK – Andre Rawls, Orange County SC: Rawls posted an eight-save shutout, as Orange County took a 3-0 win on the road against San Antonio FC on Saturday night.

D – Tobi Adewole, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Adewole scored the late winner in a 1-0 victory against Ottawa Fury FC, while also recording eight clearances and winning all 10 duels and aerial duels.

D – Amadou Dia, Phoenix Rising FC: Dia won 14 of 21 duels overall and recorded two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances, as Rising FC took a 1-0 victory on the road against the LA Galaxy II. 

D – Futty Danso, North Carolina FC: Danso helped hold the Charlotte Independence to only two shots on goal with 10 clearances and also won 12 of 16 duels and aerial duels during his side’s 2-0 road victory.

D – Kyle Smith, Louisville City FC: Smith scored the tying goal from the penalty spot, completed 89 of 103 passes and recorded two key passes to help Louisville rally to a 2-1 victory against the Richmond Kickers.

M – Luke Vercollone, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Vercollone recorded a goal and an assist and completed 20 of 24 passes to lead the Switchbacks to victory against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Joey Calistri, Saint Louis FC: Calistri scored the game-winning goal in STLFC’s 1-0 win against the LA Galaxy II, and finished with four shots overall.

M – Soony Saad, Indy Eleven – Saad scored both goals, including a 35-yard strike that landed on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10, in Indy’s 2-1 win against Nashville SC on Saturday afternoon.

F – Masta Kacher, Real Monarchs SLC – Kacher scored twice to lead Monarchs to a fourth consecutive win to start season in their 3-1 victory against Seattle Sounders FC 2 last Wednesday night.

F – Stefano Bonomo, New York Red Bulls II – Bonomo had a goal and two assists as the Red Bulls II romped past the Tampa Bay Rowdies 5-0 on Saturday afternoon.

F – Felix Chenkam, Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Chenkam scored twice, as S2 rallied for a 3-2 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday evening.  

Bench: Trevor Spangenberg (RIC), Derrick Jones (BST), Justin Portillo (SLC), George Davis IV (LOU), Brian White (NY), Didier Drogba (PHX), Thomas Enevoldsen (OC)

Talking points: #ATLvLOU
 

1) PERFECT STILL

Louisville City FC capped off an incredible comeback against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at Slugger Field. Beating the Kickers 2-1 despite falling 0-1 in the first half, the win moves LouCity to the top of the Eastern Conference having collected 12 points from 12 possible.

Last week, O’Connor was quick to mention that the unbeaten beginnings had no bearing on his side. This week, though he expressed how pleased he was with the team’s efforts, he again played down their four wins in four matches:

“Honestly, there’s nothing in [the perfect start]. I’m focused on our next game. We’re looking at Atlanta, a very good team with young players and plenty of pace and ability. It will be a very good game and a tough game but we’re looking forward to it.”

2) THUNDER OVER ATLANTA?

LouCity has had the luxury of three home tests in their first four games. While the fireworks are popping off and celebration ensue for Thunder over Louisville, LouCity looks to set off their own show in Atlanta.

The team’s lone road contest produced perhaps their most impressive result of the year so far, a 0-1 win in front of over 25,000+ against FC Cincinnati. Against Atlanta United FC 2, the stakes are just as high–nothing more than three points.
 

– Click HERE for Single Game Tickets vs. BETHLEHEM STEEL FC on April 28 –
 

The hosts are also unbeaten through their first three games, the main difference between just one win in three so far. Both ATL UTD 2 and LouCity have scored six goals, while the hosts have conceded four goals compared to Louisville’s one. The “Boys in Purple” allowed just the one goal against the Kickers on Saturday, the first time anyone had scored on LouCity since last year’s remarkable playoff run. 

3) sharing the wealth

Speaking of goals, six different Louisville City FC players have found their way on the scoresheet this year.

Those who followed the team closely last year will remember that, by season’s end, every single outfield player on the roster had found the back of the net at least once. Through four games in 2018, they are well on pace for the same.

While it isn’t a goal of O’Connor’s sides to have each member hit the back of the net, it’s an area where he is pleased to have that many options:

“I think it shows the character of the guys. When you look at the team, we’ve got multiple players that can step up and score and do. The beauty of what we have here is that we have such a together group and everyone has really bought into what we’re doing here. They push each other.

Look at the guys that came off the bench. The impact that they had on the game was their desire to go on and help their teammates and really push. That’s what we need–that sort of spirit and character and mentality throughout the year.”

4) UNCHARTERED WATERS

One of the most difficult tests for LouCity this weekend will be facing a side they haven’t previously seen, which is the case for newcomers Atlanta United FC 2.

Forward Jon Gallagher will present the biggest threat to O’Connor’s impressive defense. The former University of Notre Dame standout has scored three goals in two appearances, including two against New York Red Bulls II on March 24. 

The United Soccer League (USL) has announced today that Louisville City FC’s match against North Carolina FC, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m., has been postponed to Tuesday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Slugger Field.

Season ticket members are encouraged to hold onto their seat, but if tickets need to be reprinted, please contact your individual ticket rep or call the LouCity front office. Non-season ticket members who have purchased tickets can either hold onto their match tickets or trade them in for any other game in the 2018 regular season. To swap dates, contact the Louisville City FC ticket office at 502-384-8799, option 2.

The “Boys in Purple” continue their 17-game home slate on Saturday, April 28 against Bethlehem Steel FC. Tickets for the match—and all remaining 14+ USL matches at Slugger Field in 2018—can be purchased for as little as $16 online at www.loucity.com or by phone at 502-384-8799, option 2.

For more information, contact the Louisville City FC ticket office at tickets@louisvillecityfc.com.

Head coach James O’Connor addressed the media after LouCity’s 2-1 comeback win over Richmond Kickers on Saturday night.
Read what the boss had to say when reflecting on the team’s performance:

On the team’s performance in the second half:
“Excellent. I thought we were really unfortunate to be losing, to be honest. First half we were in complete control under attack. Kyle (Smith) unfortunately slips on the turf but has a really good finish, skips up off the turf. It was a very good play and very good goal. In the first half, I feel like we were counted there. We had some chances first half not to get one there, but the players showed tremendous belief. Second half- all in all, I think we put a good performance forward and I felt we deserved the three points.”

On his halftime message to the team:
“Yeah, I mean staying patient. And I think composure. But also just trying to capitalize on areas that I think we could do better in. I think we were back in it in the second half. Again, immensely proud of their efforts and their desire to keep going and keep going and keep going and not just accept when the first goal goes in, but there’s even more drive to try and go on and win the game. Great credit to the guys to come on and win the game. It’s great to see guys come out and do that. And it shows how together this group is.”

On setting the best start in club history:
“I think the togetherness, the character of the guys. I think their work rate. All in all, when you look at what the lads have had to get through- we’ve had the training grounds being flooded, so to actually wanting to go out and play I can’t speak highly enough about the players. And really I think they deserve enormous credit for the way they’ve conducted themselves and how they perform.”

On positional versatility within his squad:
“I think it’s important. I think for us to have that type of football brain and be that intelligent, but we have to be cultural. The guys, they’re immensely proud of what they do. They have great togetherness. But their will to win and their desire for growth is probably the most impressive thing. You’ve got 20 players in there desperate to get better, which is really important for me as a coach because I’m also desperate to get better. So to get that kind of growth and that kind of mentality, that’s really important.”

On the return of Brian Ownby:
“Yeah, Brian’s (Ownby) had to be patient. He’s had to manage Brian even this week, he’s got an issue with his groin, strains to the hamstrings. We’ve obviously got to try and manage the guys. We’ve done that since the preseason, just being patient. He’s only played 45 minutes in the preseason. You still have to try and manage Brian (Ownby), and use our experience that he naturally just wants to go and start here again and play because he’s desperate to be successful. He’s someone who again makes an impact whether he starts or whether he comes on, he’s got tremendous pace. I thought he went on and did a great job for us. George (Davis IV) also made a big impact. He helped us, slipped George in. I think the intensity that we got from the players really helped drive the team. It was important for us.”

Louisville City FC beat Richmond Kickers, 2-1, thanks to a penalty in the second half from Kyle Smith and a stoppage-time winner from George Davis IV!

The win sees LouCity collect the maximum amount of points through four games (12), eclipsing a club record (10) set last season. The goals were the first of the year for both Smith and Davis IV. 

What Happened?

LouCity head coach James O’Connor made two changes to the starting XI that beat FC Cincinnati, 0-1, last Saturday. Defender Pat McMahon and midfielder George Davis IV were replaced by Shaun Francis and Niall McCabe.

The “Boys in Purple” were the first to knock on the door in the 12th minute, when all three of Niall McCabe, Oscar Jimenez, and Cameron Lancaster combined around the penalty area, only for Lancaster to be dispossessed at the crucial moment. 

Against the run of play, the visitors would take the lead in the 18th minute through attacker Brian Shriver. Midfielder Raul Gonzalez played a pass forward for Shriver, who latched on and clipped a neat effort past Ranjitsingh to break the deadlock. 

LouCity’s best chance in the opening half came in the 36th minute, stemming from a beautiful pass from the captain Paolo DelPiccolo. Chipping a ball over the backline, Lancaster sprinted to chase down the ball only to win a corner on a flash shot at Kickers’ ‘keeper Trevor Spangenberg. At the half, O’Connor’s crew trailed, 0-1.

The deficit inspired a quick start to the second half for the “Boys in Purple,” and just five minutes in, Oscar Jimenez started pulling the strings again. The midfielder broke past the last line of defense and fired a powerful effort at Spangenberg, but the rifled shot would land wide and hit the side netting. 

Just before the hour mark, LouCity fans saw Brian Ownby enter the fray for the first time and his impact was immediate. Two minutes into his time on the pitch, Ownby collected a pass and flung an effort at goal but saw it land just over the crossbar.

The course of the match changed in the 64th minute, though, when LouCity was awarded a penalty won by forward Cameron Lancaster. Stepping up to the spot, Kyle Smith sent Spangenberg the wrong way to convert and level the score. 

As chances piled up for the hosts towards the closing stages, the “Boys in Purple” got a crucial goal from George Davis IV mere seconds into stoppage time. Substitute forward Ilija Ilic rolled a ball through to the left flank where Davis IV’s cutting run saw him angle in perfect position. Taking a touch to settle, Davis IV powered a rocket to the far post past Spangenberg to ultimately seal a 2-1 win during Black Out Night at Slugger Field.

The win sees LouCity set a new club record for most points accrued through their opening four matches (12) and most consecutive wins to start the season (4). 

Next time out, LouCity flies south to face Atlanta United FC 2 at Coolray Field. The match is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. ET. 

The Key Points:

• Kickers’ forward Brian Shriver opened the scoring in the 18th minute off a pass from Raul Gonzalez
• A penalty from defender Kyle Smith leveled the scoring just after the hour mark
• In stoppage time, George Davis IV unleashed a rocket to the far post to put LouCity in front for good

O’Connor’s Takeaways:

On performance in the second half:
“Excellent. I thought we were really unfortunate to be losing, to be honest. First half we were in complete control under attack. Kyle (Smith) unfortunately slips on the turf but has a really good finish, skips up off the turf. It was a very good play and very good goal. In the first half, I feel like we were counted there. We had some chances first half not to get one there, but the players showed tremendous belief. Second half- all in all, I think we put a good performance forward and I felt we deserved the three points.”

On the halftime message to the team:
“Yeah, I mean staying patient. And I think composure. But also just trying to capitalize on areas that I think we could do better in. I think we were back in it in the second half. Again, immensely proud of their efforts and their desire to keep going and keep going and keep going and not just accept when the first goal goes in, but there’s even more drive to try and go on and win the game. Great credit to the guys to come on and win the game. It’s great to see guys come out and do that. And it shows how together this group is.”

On the best start in club history:
“I think the togetherness, the character of the guys. I think their work rate. All in all, when you look at what the lads have had to get through- we’ve had the training grounds being flooded, so to actually wanting to go out and play I can’t speak highly enough about the players. And really I think they deserve enormous credit for the way they’ve conducted themselves and how they perform.”

On Ownby’s return:
“Yeah, Brian’s (Ownby) had to be patient. He’s had to manage Brian even this week, he’s got an issue with his groin, strains to the hamstrings. We’ve obviously got to try and manage the guys. We’ve done that since the preseason, just being patient. He’s only played 45 minutes in the preseason. You still have to try and manage Brian (Ownby), and use our experience that he naturally just wants to go and start here again and play because he’s desperate to be successful. He’s someone who again makes an impact whether he starts or whether he comes on, he’s got tremendous pace. I thought he went on and did a great job for us. George (Davis IV) also made a big impact. He helped us, slipped George in. I think the intensity that we got from the players really helped drive the team. It was important for us.”

Injury Report:
OUT – Richard Ballard (stress fracture)

Louisville City FC 2 : 1 Richmond Kickers
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Slugger Field – Louisville, KY
60 degrees / overcast
Attendance: 6009

Scoring Summary:
RIC – Brian Shriver (Raul Gonzalez) 18′
LOU – Kyle Smith (p) 65′
LOU – George Davis IV (Ilija Ilic) 90+1′

Disciplinary Summary:
RIC – Heviel Cordoves 66′

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Greg Ranjitsingh (GK); Oscar Jimenez, Sean Totsch, Paco Craig, Shaun Francis (George Davis IV 75′); Paolo DelPiccolo (c); Devon “Speedy” Williams, Kyle Smith, Niall McCabe (Ilija Ilic 69′), Magnus Rasmussen (Brian Ownby 55′); Cameron Lancaster

Bench: Tim Dobrowolski, Alexis Souahy, Chris Hubbard