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In just its second season, the rivalry between Louisville City FC and FC Cincinnati has proven not just one of the United Soccer League’s best, but one of the top derbies in all of U.S. Soccer.

Hundreds of those clad in orange and blue mingled with the fans in purple Saturday night, totaling a LouCity-record 11,632 in the stands at Louisville Slugger Field.

“This is the way the growth of soccer in the U.S. is going to go, where you get more local and regional rivalries where you get away fans and you get big crowds,” said LouCity coach James O’Connor.

He played for, among other clubs, current English Premier League members Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion before finishing his playing career with Orlando City SC.

“That’s what football’s all about,” O’Connor added. “You want to win those games.”

In this case, LouCity didn’t, and O’Connor pointed to “individual mistakes” rather than a lack of overall effort in a 3-2 defeat.

Here’s what we learned from the game…

• Ilija Ilic continued his recent run of form, adding a second goal in two games — and in his third straight professional start. It’s all new territory for Ilic, a native of Serbia in his third season with LouCity.

An early hand ball in the box earned LouCity the penalty opportunity. Ilic chipped a shot straight down the middle.

“I watched the (FC Cincinnati) game against the Chicago Fire,” he said. “I saw Bastian (Schweinsteiger) score a goal. I thought (goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt) was going to go left or right, so I just thought he’s going down (for a save). So I chipped.

• LouCity’s lineup changes for the FC Cincinnati game included the return of four defenders along the back line. Entering, O’Connor had featured just three defenders dating back to a mid-May switch from the 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-4-3.

Additionally, rookie Richard Ballard made a start, while defenders Sean Totsch and Oscar Jimenez were sidelined in favor of taller counterparts to protect against a sizable FC Cincinnati front line.

The changes, O’Connor noted, got LouCity off to nice starts in both halves. “We maybe could have come in (at halftime) winning the game and didn’t,” he said. “We started the second half quite bright. We think, OK, now we’re going to get after them, and we give away a poor goal. Then it gets compounded, because we give away another poor goal. Then we get back a goal at the end, when there’s 10 seconds left, or 15 seconds left, so really just a frustrating loss for us.”

• The loss at Slugger Field — combined with the Charlotte Independence’s sixth straight win — dropped LouCity to third in the Eastern Conference standings at the midpoint in the season. O’Connor said the focus turns squarely to next weekend’s trip to play Saint Louis FC. But there’s chance for revenge in the FC Cincinnati rivalry, as the orange and blue return to Slugger on Aug. 12.

“We’re going to meet them in a few weeks, yeah,” said midfielder Guy Abend. “We’re looking forward to it. Every game against Cincinnati’s a good game. Our crowd shows up. Their crowd shows up. It makes it a bit more exciting.”

Ilija Ilic watched most of Louisville City FC’s first two seasons from the bench, and he had little reason to complain. The boys in purple were often at or near the top of the USL Eastern Conference in goals scored as Ilic, a striker, battled for playing time.

“We have a really good team,” the native Serbian said. “You have to wait for opportunities. I waited for my opportunity for a long time.”

Now, Ilic seems to be getting it with starts in consecutive games for LouCity heading into Saturday’s matchup with FC Cincinnati. The rivals will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday inside Slugger Field, marking the second leg of the 2017 River Cities Cup.

Ilic made his first start of the year on June 3, contributing an assist to LouCity’s 4-4 draw against the Charleston Battery. He was also in coach James O’Connor’s lineup to open recent 2-1 win over Ottawa Fury FC and another draw with the Battery, in which Ilic scored LouCity’s goal in a 1-1 tie.

“He’s someone we’ve always been confident in and really, really enjoy working with,” O’Connor said.

Ilic said it “feels amazing” to get his chance as LouCity’s starting forward, a spot also occupied this year by Cameron Lancaster and Luke Spencer. Last time out, defender Sean Totsch put a header off the bar in them 27th minute, and Ilic played the rebound to equalize in a 1-1 draw.

The league followed up by honoring Ilic with a spot on its USL Team of the Week Bench.

“Ilija’s a guy who comes in every day and wants to work the hardest, and he pushes everyone to work just as hard as him,” said defender Oscar Jimenez.

Ilic, signed just before LouCity’s inaugural opener in 2015, came to the club with a reputation for scoring. He set Division II Young Harris College’s program mark for most points in a single season as he scored 27 goals as a senior. That season he was also recognized as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year.

College success didn’t immediately translate to professional playing time. In 2015, Matt Fondy scored 22 goals in 28 games for LouCity, going on to earn USL MVP. Chandler Hoffman stepped in the next year at the striker spot, finishing most of his 14 goals during the first half of the year.

Ilic still managed to knock in three goals in his first two seasons, and O’Connor didn’t see the forward waiver in his work ethic.

“He’s shown throughout his time here that he’s mentally tough,” the coach said. “Great team guy and great in the community. He’s someone I have a lot of respect for.”

Spending his first two seasons with LouCity as a backup, Ilic hasn’t wavered in work ethic or mentality. Ilic appeared in 19 games as a rookie in 2015 and 13 games in 2016, combining for three goals in his first two seasons. 

“Coach wants us to work hard every training session — every game — and I try to work hard every single game and training session,” Ilic said. That’s why I think I deserve my chance.”

“In regard to his character and mentality, he’s a great example to the others and to us of what a team player is,” O’Connor added. “He’s also mentally tough. He’s shown throughout his time here that he’s mentally tough.”

Teammates have taken notice. Ilic’s starts have served as a feel good story in the locker room — a case of work rewarded for a guy they want to see on the field.

“Whether he plays or he doesn’t he has the same attitude,” Jimenez said. “He just wants the team to win and be successful. That’s what you want from a teammate.”

Louisville City FC has added two building blocks to its leadership team to assist with the club’s growth as it develops a new stadium district in the Butchertown Neighborhood, ensuring LouCity’s long-term future.

Brad Estes, President of Neace Ventures, whose portfolio includes the Falls City Brewing Company and Old 502 Winery, recently assumed the role of LouCity’s Executive Vice President. Steve Livingstone, a professional sports management veteran and the original president of fellow Division II soccer side Jacksonville Armada, joined LouCity as the club’s Chief Operating Officer.

Estes and Livingstone will direct the club’s front office on a day-to-day basis, while John Neace will continue to lead LouCity as Chairman and President.

“These additions to our management team represent another step forward in our ownership group’s vision for Louisville City FC,” Neace said. “We’ve signed Coach James O’Connor and his staff through 2020, when we plan to open our soccer-specific stadium, and continue to rank as one of the United Soccer League’s top franchises on the pitch. Brad and Steve’s leadership and experience will ensure that same reputation extends to the business side of our club.”

Estes and Livingstone bring complementary skill sets to their new roles.

The Louisville native Estes, a 39-year-old graduate of St. Xavier High School, has extensive knowledge of his hometown’s business climate. He will work directly with the board on LouCity’s finances as well as the master development agreement to revitalize Butchertown, starting with a 10,000-seat soccer stadium.

“In my previous work with Neace Ventures, I’ve seen the commitment Louisville City FC’s owners have to fielding a top-level club across the board,” Estes said. “I’m proud to now join the club and work directly with this talented group.”

Livingstone, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, started his career in soccer journalism before moving into sports management as the general manager of NFL Europe’s Scottish Claymores. After relocating to Florida, he directed sales, marketing and business development with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars for nine seasons. From there, he successfully launched Jacksonville Armada FC, setting league attendance records in 2015. 

Livingstone took up a key position as managing director of 2016’s Copa America Centenario tournament in Orlando before starting in April as a management consultant for LouCity. The 48-year-old will now oversee the club’s business operations including marketing, ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandise and game day operations.

“Louisville City FC has accomplished much in its first two-plus seasons, but there’s plenty of work still to do,” Livingstone said. “I look forward to working with Brad, John, James and the board in helping guide the front office as this club truly establishes itself in the community.”

With Estes and Livingstone working in partnership to lead LouCity’s front office, O’Connor, the third-year head coach, will continue to manage all facets of the club on the pitch.

The boys in purple are again in a race near the top of the USL Eastern Conference, sitting second to the Charleston Battery with two games in hand. Next is a summer highlight, as LouCity is set to host rival FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Slugger Field. Call (502) 384-8799 or visit www.loucity.com/tickets for more information.

Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor expects a big crowd and atmosphere Saturday when his club hosts FC Cincinnati. Ticket sales to this point indicate he’s right.

O’Connor’s emphasis is his team keeping a level head for the 7:30 p.m. rivalry matchup.

“I think it’s very important we don’t let emotion get involved,” the coach said at his weekly press conference. “I think for us, we need to make sure we do our homework and get prepared for what will be a tough game.”

Saturday will mark the third meeting between LouCity and FC Cincinnati this year but the first in Louisville — and first at Slugger Field since a club-record 10,062 fans attending the 2016 matchup there.

LouCity will be fighting for its first win against the blue and orange this season having played to a 1-1 draw in USL play back on April 22. The rivals clashed again May 31 in the U.S. Open Cup, with the result a 1-0 FC Cincinnati victory.

O’Connor will let supporters handle the hype of a rematch.

“The biggest thing for us is making sure that we focus on the technical side and what’s needed to actually perform,” he said. “If the emotions start getting involved, all that starts to become a little bit awkward.

“…I think when you look at any rivalry game I think there will be a big crowd, be a big atmosphere. I think it’s making sure that you play the game and not the emotional side.”

Here’s more from O’Connor…

• On staying in touch with former LouCIty players Aodhan Quinn and Kadeem Dacres, who now play for FC Cincinnati: “I’ve got a good relationship with both the lads. I wish them all the best in the Open Cup. For us because we spend so much time with our players and we create relationships where we obviously want the best for them, then we’ll always maintain those relationships.”

• On his club’s performance at Charleston last Saturday: “I think we had enough chances to win the game. I just think there were a couple of instances where if our passing had been a little bit crisper maybe we would’ve created a couple more opportunities. I think the way it pans out, a 1-1 draw, you take it. But I definitely think we had a couple chances there that we could have capitalized on.”

• On Mark Kaye-Anthony competing with the Canadian National Team at the Gold Cup: “Obviously disappointed he didn’t get a run out the other night. So hopefully he’ll get a run out this week (Kaye started Tuesday night’s game against Costa Rica). But again, fantastic achievement for Mark to be able to go and to work as hard as he’s doing and to be involved in that level.

“So hopefully he’ll get a couple minutes on the pitch. But even if he doesn’t I think the whole experience of being at the Gold Cup and being in that environment and training with players like that, it’s good for him. And especially at that age — he’s young — so it gives him a lot of incentive to continue to work hard and continue to develop.”

With the Forecastle Festival also taking place Saturday in downtown Louisville, fans attending the Louisville City FC-FC Cincinnati game — set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff — are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to Louisville Slugger Field.

Parking in the stadium lot on the East side of Slugger Field will be limited for entry to only those patrons with a game ticket. The lot will open at noon, with cost to park $6. Spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and fans are asked to have their tickets ready to show a parking lot attendant upon entry.

The lot West of Slugger Field typically used for the LouCity supporters’ tailgate will not have reserved parking for the LouCity-FC Cincinnati game. A $15 Forecastle Festival parking rate will be in effect.

Should fans arrive at Slugger Field after the East side lot fills — a large crowd is expected for Saturday’s rivalry matchup — several other parking options are available downtown, including the Nucleus Parking Garage on Preston Street, between Market and Jefferson streets.

Brandished with a University of Louisville logo, the Nucleus Garage will also require showing a LouCity ticket for entry. Cost is $7, and it opens at 1 p.m.

In lieu of a traditional tailgate, LouCity supporters will gather Saturday for a block party at 636 W. Main Street, outside the Goodwood Brewing Company.

Click here for a full map of other off-street garages and lots in downtown Louisville.

Tickets to Saturday’s game remain available by calling (502) 384-8799, or visit LouisvilleCityFC.com/tickets. Fans are encouraged to purchase in advance, both to save money and avoid game day lines. Those who make their ticket purchase at the LouCity office — 127 S. 6th Street — can also save 10 percent this week on team merchandise.

His first 90 minutes as a professional down, Richard Ballard was asked after Louisville City FC’s season opener back in March what he’d learned about himself at the next level.

“I’m gonna have a lot of fun,” the midfielder said.

Ballard’s 13 appearances since then — including LouCity’s 1-1 draw Saturday night at Eastern Conference leader Charleston — support that statement.

The rookie from Louisville has tallied 2 goals and 2 assists, mostly as his side’s super substitute. Ballard brings pace and athleticism on the wing, a nightmare scenario for defenders on tired legs late in games.

“He’s a weapon with his speed. He’s a weapon with his dribbling,” said Paolo DelPiccolo, LouCity’s captain. “He can score goals like we’ve seen the last month. He’s a solid footballer.”

Ballard continued creating Saturday after swapping for Brian Ownby in the 63rd minute. Looking for the game-winner, he made a run with the ball about half the distance of the pitch before placing a shot between a defender’s legs and on goal. A minute later, he was back in the box with the ball, where a defender was forced to lunge in for a tackle.

Into stoppage time, Ballard continued pressing, taking a gaggle of Battery defenders one on three.

“I think I can bring on a lot of energy when other teams are starting to die out at the end of the game,” Ballard said. “It’s something I’ve been told before — that I have a strong attacking presence, and that pace and quickness are my best attributes.

“…I try to be dangerous and bring a second wind to the team, prop them up a little bit and hopefully create some chances.”

Ballard’s season highlight to this point came June 7, when the DuPont Manual High grad scored the only goal in a win over the Charlotte Independence at Slugger Field. Running along the sideline, he flashed an “L” sign with his hand in recognition of his hometown.

The midfielder scored as a substitute next time out at New York Red Bulls II and a game after that assisted teammate Niall McCabe’s first goal of the year back at Slugger. Ballard nearly earned another assist on what ended up the game-winner July 1 against Ottawa Fury FC, showing determination to earn a ball back in the box and push it toward Luke Spencer for a goal; the scorekeeper, however, determined Ottawa’s keeper got a piece of the pass forward.

Coach James O’Connor lauded Ballard for his patience continuing to work as a sub rather than starter — at least for now.

“Richard has done tremendously well,” O’Connor said. “He’s someone we have a lot of belief in. For us, it’s great to have somebody like that who can come off the bench and cause so many problems.

“…It’s a process with Richard and all the players with their development. He’s at the earliest stage, and he’s done well playing the role we’ve asked him to play at the moment.”