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Takeaways: Bigger pitch favors LouCity in Orlando
Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor and players said they’d benefit from the wide open spaces provided by Orlando City Stadium, the massive downtown facility with a field built specifically for soccer.
Wearing their white and gold road kits — LouCity remained unbeaten in them Thursday night — the club poured in goals to knock off Orlando City B, 3-1, and validate their claim.
Here’s what else we took away from the game:
- Tim Dobrowolski, who started once last season with Greg Ranjitsingh away on international duty, filled in well with the starting keeper this time out due to injury. Dobrowolski was rarely tested but rose to the occasion in the 61st minute when a brilliant header came his way. The keeper preserved what was then a 2-1 lead.
- Fans voted George Davis IV their Man of the Match after a beautiful go-ahead goal midway through the second half on the assist from Richard Ballard. Could it be the start of another big year? Davis IV finished 2016 as LouCity’s co-second-leading scorer with 5 goals in the regular season, and the USL veteran added another in the playoffs.
- Midfielder Cameron Lancaster got over the hump of scoring on either penalty kicks or set pieces in the 11th minute when, on the counter, he slotted a shot from distance pat Orlando City B’s keeper. Lancaster subbed out in the first half for precautionary reasons; his replacement, Luke Spencer, tallied six shots and a goal.
- Though the official time of possession (52-48%) said otherwise, LouCity poured the pressure on Orlando City B’s defenders. The end result was an effort that took advantage of the chances created. While LouCity totaled fewer shots Thursday (17) than in last week’s scoreless draw with Saint Louis FC (21), the boys goals.
- Defender Paco Craig returned from suspension Thursday, listed on the bench, but did not see the field. Coach James O’Connor complimented his center backs, in particular Tarek Morad, who bounced back to have a strong second half after scoring an equalizing own goal in the first. Orlando totaled only three shots on target, all in the second half.
Replay: Watch back LouCity's win over Orlando City B
What to watch for: Orlando City B-LouCity
Louisville City FC hits the road for the first time in 2017 for Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff at the new Orlando City Stadium, home to USL Eastern Conference rival Orlando City B.
Tune In
TV: WBNA-21 will air the game live and in high definition locally. Mike Watts (play by play) and Morgan Conklin (color) have the call.
Radio: Pregame coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. on 790 WKRD and the iHeartRadio app. Jeff Milby (play by play) and Keith O’Loane (color commentary) have the call.
Streaming: Watch live on the USL Match Center.
Follow Along
For Starting XI information and in-game updates, check us out on social media. It’s @loucityfc on Twitter, Louisville City FC on Facebook and louisvillecityfc on Instagram. Vote for a Model Man of the Match on Twitter starting in the 75th minute.
Links
• O’Connor returns to Orlando, this time building LouCity
• Videos: O’Connor, players preview Orlando City B game
• LouCity signs third keeper Bledsoe after trial
• Bledsoe will travel with Ranjitsingh injured
• Louisville native Ballard shines in pro debut
• Kaye earns Man of the Match with Canada U-23s
Notes
Hometown hero: Consider it a successful pro debut for Louisville native Richard Ballard. Playing on the right wing, he created some of LouCity’s best chances in a scoreless draw Saturday with Saint Louis FC and was voted Man of the Match by fans. Ballard graduated from DuPont Manual High School and Indiana University before signing with LouCity out of invitation tryouts.
Other newcomers: Four others made their first starts for LouCity in the opener. Midfielder Brian Ownby, a USL veteran who played previously for the Richmond Kickers, started on the left wing. Devon “Speedy” Williams manned the central midfield, Oscar Jimenez slotted in at left back and Sean Totsch at center back. Forward Luke Spencer entered as a sub in the second half.
The captain: Midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo was given the armband Saturday and, as with past LouCity captains, figures to wear it throughout the 2017 season. A Denver native, DelPiccolo attended the University of Louisville, where he still holds the program record for career assists with 23. DelPiccolo played the full 90 minutes in a standout performance against Saint Louis FC.
Purple powered: LouCity has connections to Orlando City’s franchise outside of coach James O’Connor, who finished his playing career there. Midfielder George Davis IV played on loan with the Lions in 2012, for a stint as a teammate of O’Connor’s. Assistant coach Daniel Byrd met O’Connor while working within Orlando City’s youth system. Now, all three wear purple in Louisville.
Injury report: Team doctors continue to work with Greg Ranjitsingh after the goalkeeper left Saturday’s game due to a non-contact, lower-body injury just before halftime. LouCity’s traveling goalkeepers this week will be Tim Dobrowolski and Micah Bledsoe, a rookie out of Lipscomb University offered his first pro contract last Friday following a successful trial.
Discipline, etc.: Defender Paco Craig will be eligible to compete for the first time this year having served a one-game suspension dating back to a red card in 2016. His fellow defender, Sean Reynolds, has two more games to sit out for the same reason. LouCity coach James O’Connor said Mark-Anthony Kaye will be available for selection upon returning from Canada’s U-23 team.
O'Connor returns to Orlando, this time building LouCity
In the twilight of his playing career, James O’Connor left Europe for America and a spot with a growing United Soccer League club, Orlando City SC. The goal, he said, was to help lay the foundation for the game’s long-term success in Florida.
Years later, O’Connor will this week return to the sidelines in Orlando while doing the same as Louisville City FC’s first and only head coach.
His record is proven: Orlando City SC went on to earn a spot in Major League Soccer and just opened highly regarded Orlando City Stadium. Its USL Side, Orlando City B, will host O’Connor and LouCity in its first game at the facility at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
“It was a great way for me to finish my career, and then it gave me my first step into coaching as well, which I’ve always been grateful for,” O’Connor said. “Obviously, through the affiliation I was able to come (to Louisville). I have a lot to thank Orlando for.”
• WATCH | Full previews from O’Connor, players
Good friend and former Orlando teammate Anthony Pulis coaches Orlando City B, which fell 1-0 on a penalty kick to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on the USL’s opening weekend. LouCity meanwhile played Saint Louis FC to a scoreless draw at Slugger Field to start its season.
Both O’Connor and Pulis, whose father, Tony, coached O’Connor during his West Bromwich Albion days, will be looking for their first full three points of 2017.
“Obviously, as both of us know, when we play against each other we’re both desperate to win” O’Connor said. “It’ll be a tough game. He’s a very good coach — very organized.”
LouCity won two of three meetings last year against Orlando City B before both teams made the USL Cup Playoffs. Following both games in Louisville, O’Connor said, he and Pulis went to dinner together. They also caught up at a game during LouCity’s preseason time in Florida.
O’Connor describes Pulis as a hard-working, bright young coach who “does his homework.” Pulis called LouCity “very well-drilled and very well-organized.”
The similarities are striking. So is Thursday’s venue, the 25,500-seat gem in downtown Orlando.
“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion for many of the boys to step on that field for the first time,” Pulis said.
While the atmosphere could be intimidating, LouCity has a history of holding its own on the road. Last season, the club went 11-2-2 away from Slugger Field, where a smaller pitch prevents O’Connor’s team from fully playing to the strengths of a possession-based attacking scheme.
LouCity limited Saint Louis FC to just four touches in the box in the opener while numbering 21 shots of its own.
“We do like road games,” O’Connor said with a laugh. “I think if I could bring our supporters with us, that would be fantastic. But, look, we know the day will come when we’ll have our own stadium as well. It’s not like it’s going to be infinite time that we’ll be playing at Slugger.
“…We do look forward to away games, especially when you go to a brand-new stadium. There will be a nice, big pitch as well.”
Videos: O'Connor, players preview Orlando City B game
LouCity signs third keeper Bledsoe after standout trial
Goalkeeper Micah Bledsoe, who set program marks for wins, save percentage and shutouts at Division I Lipscomb University, has signed with Louisville City FC following a recent trial with the club.
Bledsoe’s contract is pending league and federation approval. The 22-year-old will serve as the third goalkeeper on a roster that also includes Greg Ranjitsingh and Tim Dobrowolski.
“We feel critical aspects for the role are character, commitment and desire to improve. Micah’s shown all that,” said LouCity coach James O’Connor. “He’s come in with a great work ethic, which is really encouraging. We’ve been impressed with how he did over the two weeks on trial and were delighted to offer him a contract.”
From 2013-2016, Bledsoe racked up 26 wins in 51 starts for Lipscomb, where his save percentage was .735. He numbered 15 clean sheets while named to the Atlantic Sun’s All-Freshman Team in 2013, then went on to five times earn Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Bledsoe will train with goalkeepers coach Thabane Sutu, who developed Ranjitsingh from a rookie to national team selection last fall by Trinidad and Tobago. LouCity has allowed just 61 goals in 59 regular-season United Soccer League games since starting play in 2015.
“Really I’m just looking to improve the squad overall — to push Greg and Tim and help the goalkeeping crew,” Bledsoe said. “Here, the level’s higher. Every player is that much quicker and technical. The shots come in faster. There are high expectations every day.”
The 6-foot-4 rookie was born in Indianapolis and attended high school in Cincinnati. Bledsoe is the fourth former player from Nashville-based Lipscomb to sign a professional contract — and second member of his family to do so.
His older sister, Aubrey, was a standout at Wake Forest and now plays for the NWSL’s Orlando Pride. Her twin, Amber, played for Brown University. All three of the Bledsoes are goalkeepers.
Official LouCity watch party lineup announced
Starting with this week’s game at Orlando City B, Louisville City FC fans will have the opportunity to support their club at home when the boys in purple are on the road.
LouCity has announced its official watch party schedule that kicks off Thursday night with a gathering at Against the Grain, the brewery and restaurant attached Louisville Slugger Field.
Other 2017 LouCity pub partners include Boombozz Craft Pizza and Taphouse, Flanagan’s Ale House, Great Flood Brewing Co., Hopcat, Molly Malone’s and Saints Pizza Pub and Skybar.
Players not on road trips will regularly attend watch parties. Fans can also enter to win tickets to an upcoming home game and buy merchandise on site.
Download the LouCity mobile app, available on the Apple iTunes and Google Play online stores, to check in at watch parties and score any food and drink discounts offered by the host spot.
2017 LouCity Watch Party Schedule
March 30: Against the Grain (7:30 at Orlando City B)
April 8: Molly Malone’s in the Highlands (5 p.m. at Richmond Kickers)
April 22: Boombozz (7 p.m. at FC Cincinnati)
May 13: Boombozz (7:30 p.m. at Tampa Bay Rowdies)
May 20: Flanagan’s (7 p.m. at Pittsburgh Riverhounds)
June 3: Great Flood (7 p.m. at Charleston Battery)
June 11: Boombozz (4 p.m. at New York Red Bulls II)
June 24: Saints (7 p.m. at Harrisburg City Islanders)
July 8: Boombozz (7 p.m. at Charlotte Independence)
July 22: Boombozz (8:30 p.m. at Saint Louis FC)
Aug. 5: Boombozz (7 p.m. at Charlotte Independence)
Aug. 20: Hopcat (5 p.m. at Bethlehem Steel)
Sept. 9: Molly Malone’s in St. Matthews (7 p.m. at Pittsburgh Riverhounds)
Sept. 24: Boombozz (2 p.m. at Ottawa Fury FC)
Sept. 27: TBA (7:30 p.m. at Toronto FC II)
Sept. 30: Saints (6:05 p.m. at Rochester Rhinos)
Local heroes DelPiccolo, Ballard shine in season opener
Two Louisville City FC players who know this town best received high recognition from coach James O’Connor in Saturday’s season opener — then made the most of it in front of a Slugger Field crowd of 6,758.
Paolo DelPiccolo, who starred for the University of Louisville before turning pro, wore the captain’s arm band during a 0-0 draw with Saint Louis FC. DelPiccolo’s U of L record for 23 career assists still stands, and he helped the Cardinals to the 2010 College Cup Final.
Richard Ballard, who grew up in Louisville and attended DuPont Manual High School, earned a start on the right wing in his professional debut. Ballard’s fresh out of Indiana University, where he played striker last fall and in 2012 won an NCAA title with the Hoosiers.
“It’s a great honor for me to be named captain.” DelPiccolo said. “Not a whole lot changes. We’ve got so many leaders on the team, and everyone on the team top to bottom has a great attitude. The other guys are going to keep leading, and I just have the armband on game day.”
• RECAP | Read Saturday’s full game story
“I was just ready to get things rolling,” added Ballard, who described himself as more excited than nervous with family and friends in the stands. “Once the whistle blew, it was all autopilot from there.”
Both gave supporters reason to cheer Saturday, plus hope for goals down the line.
DelPiccolo commanded the midfield on an afternoon in which LouCity dominated, out-shooting Saint Louis FC 21-4. The visitors didn’t get a shot on target, while the boys in purple set up plenty of opportunities on their 16 corners.
Now, it’s only a matter of finishing. Ballard nearly did twice, on a shot off the side of the net in the first half and again in the second half when he just missed connecting on a scissor kick in the box.
• VIDEO | Hear more from DelPiccolo, Ballard
“I thought he played really well,” O’Connor said. “He caused them a lot of problems with his pace. On another day he would’ve scored. I think he was really unfortunate. I was really pleased with how he played and how all the guys played.”
Both DelPiccolo and Ballard put in a full 90 minutes with LouCity’s bench short. In the midfield in particular, Mark-Anthony Kaye was out while on international duty with Canada’s U-23 team.
“I thought we did well,” DelPiccolo said. “I thought we were in some good spots. I thought we got some good turnovers high up the field.”
Asked what he learned about himself at the pro level, Ballard said, simply, “I’m gonna have a lot of fun.”
LouCity dominates, but draws, with Saint Louis FC
A makeshift back line held strong for Louisville City FC in its 2017 season opener. But despite owning possession and creating a number of chances, the boys in purple couldn’t find the back of the net.
LouCity played Saint Louis FC to a scoreless draw Saturday in front of a crowd of 6,758 at Slugger Field – that despite out-shooting its Kings’ Cup rival 21-4 and possessing the ball for nearly 60 percent of the game.
“I think when you do you’re very unfortunate not to win the game,” said coach James O’Connor. “I think when you do that you should win the game. We’re very unlucky not to win the game. I can’t recall us having a game where we’ve dominated so clearly for so long. I’m not being disrespectful to Saint Louis. I thought we played really, really well. “
• VIDEO | Watch Coach’s full press conference
Concerning for LouCity was a first half substitution that swapped out starting goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh for Tim Dobrowolski after Ranjitsingh suffered what appeared to be a non-contact injury. Defenders left Dobrowolski with little work to do, however, limiting Saint Louis’ looks at goal.
That came even with defenders Paco Craig and Sean Reynolds serving red card suspensions dating back to last season.
Midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo, named the team captain Saturday, had “mixed feelings” about the result.
“Disappointed we didn’t get three (points) because I thought we played well,” said DelPiccolo, a University of Louisville graduate. “I thought we had good attitudes. I thought we deserved three points. But again, you’re not exactly shattered, because of all the things I just said.
• WATCH | Highlights, analysis from Saturday’s game
“We did come out and play well, and so you’re happy with that — but a little bit at the same time disappointed not to get away with three points.””
Rookie midfielder Richard Ballard, a Louisville native, starred as the fan-voted Man of the Match and had perhaps LouCity’s best look at the goal in the 19th minute, after he dribbled past a defender but shot just wide. Later, in the second half, Cameron Lancaster nearly beat Saint Louis FC on the counter attack. Opposing goalkeeper Devala Gorrick came up with the save.
Saint Louis FC nearly struck later, with an 87th-minute header played dangerously into the box – and to the left of Dobrowolski, the keeper. Defender Tarek Morad cleared it, however, capping a stellar day for the LouCity defense. Oscar Jimenez, a converted midfielder, put in a solid day at left back, and newcomer Sean Totsch worked alongside of Morad.
Forward Luke Spencer, plus midfielders Devon “Speedy” Williams and Brian Ownby also made their LouCity debuts Saturday.
Ballard said Saturday’s game reaffirmed what he thought of this LouCity team going into it.
“I mean we’re gonna fight the full 90 minutes,” he said. “We’re gonna keep a good attitude and high intensity the whole game. Sometimes you just have to finish the opportunity to come away with three points.”
LouCity has a short turnaround to its second of 32 United Soccer League games this season, traveling to play Orlando City B this Thursday.
Game Summary
Match: Louisville City FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Date: March 25, 2016
Venue: Slugger Field
Kickoff: 2:03 p.m.
Weather: Cloudy, 70 degrees
Man of the Match: Richard Ballard
Scoring
Louisville City FC (0, 0, 0)
Saint Louis FC (0, 0, 0)
Lineups
Louisville City FC: 1- Greg Ranjitsingh (45’ 28-Tim Dobrowolski), 24- Kyle Smith, 19- Oscar Jimenez, 4- Sean Totsch, 6- Tarek Morad, 36- Paolo DelPiccolo, 8- Devon “Speedy” Williams, 22- George Davis IV (68’ 12- Luke Spencer), 9- Cameron Lancaster (83’ 11- Niall McCabe), 10- Brain Ownby, 23- Richard Ballard
Subs not used: 8- Guy Abend, 3- Sean Russell
Head coach: James O’Connor
Saint Louis FC: 1- Devala Gorrick, 4- AJ Cochran, 5- Konrad Plewa, 13- Matt Sheldon, 23- Ryan Howe (53’ 22- Wes Charpie), 17- Octavio Guzman, 7- Sebastian Dalgaard, 8- Dragan Stojkov, 18- Ivan Mirkovic, 19- Jose Angulo (76’ 21- Max Alvarez), 9- Christian Volesky (59’ 11- Mats Bjurman)
Subs not used: 6- Austin Ledbetter, 15- Matteo Kidd, 12- Tyler David, 99- Adam Grinwis
Head coach: Predrag “Preki” RadosavljeviÄ
Officials
Referee: Calin Radosav
Assistant Referee 1: Art Arustamyan
Assistant Referee 2: Cory Richardson
4th Official: Ben Hall-Volpenhein
