Matchday 9
Louisville City FC (5-1-2, 17 Pts.) vs.
Saint Louis FC (3-2-2, 11 Pts.)
Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Venue: Slugger Field, Louisville, KY
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LAST TIME OUT:
In last Saturday’s game against the Swope Park Rangers, Saint Louis FC scored three unanswered goals. The first goal came in the 11th minute when Richard Dixon crossed to Schillo Tshuma to score. The second goal was in the 39th minute off a free kick from Chad Bond. The final goal of the game came from Irvin Herrera in the second half. Goal keeper Mark Pais kept Swope Park from scoring any goals with four saves.
Chad Bond picked up two yellow cards during the game and was ejected in the second half. He will serve a one game suspension against Louisville City FC.
Last Saturday’s matchup against the Swope Park Rangers was the first of four of match-ups against the Swope Park Rangers this season. The next scheduled meeting is July 2nd at Swope Park.
THE OPPONENT:
The Louisville City FC is currently the third ranked team in the USL, and on a five game winning streak. They lead the Eastern Conference standings with 17 points and are currently 5-1-2.
Louisville is coached by James O’Conner, a former Orlando City player and coach. Under his coaching, the team went 14-8-6 in 2015.
Louisville City’s latest match was on May 4th against Toronto FC II. Louisville won the game 2-0.
The last time Saint Louis FC and Louisville City FC faced off was September 19th, 2015. Saint Louis FC won the game 2-1.
ELITE TEAM:
This Saturday’s match-up between Louisville City FC and Saint Louis FC will bring together some of the best players in the USL.
Saint Louis FC has had five players named to the USL’s Team of the Week so far this season with Vince Cicciarelli having also been named Player of the Week. While Louisville City FC has had seven players named on Team of the Week, with Chandler Hoffman (forward) and Scott Goodwin (goal keeper) having been named the USL’s Player of the Week.
Both teams have been recognized for their strong defense. Two Louisville City FC goal keepers, Greg Ranjitsingh and Scott Goodwin, and defender, Conor Shanosky, have been named on Team of the Week. While Saint Louis defenders, Richard Dixon and AJ Cochran, as well as goal keeper, Ryan Thompson, have been honored by the league.
CONTESTED KINGS:
Saturday’s matchup will bring with it the reigniting of the King’s Cup. The King’s Cup is awarded to the supporters group of the team that has the most points between the two sides in the regular season series.
Last season, Louisville supporters won the cup by goal differential after both sides drew and won at home. Unfortunately for Saint Louis, the 2-1 victory over Louisville to close out the regular season, wasn’t enough to overcome the 2-0 defeat suffered in Louisville.
With both clubs joining the league last season, the rivalry quickly intensified and has become a staple in the USL. With both clubs at or near the top of their respective conference tables, the 2016 edition of the King’s Cup has the potential to be memorable.
INJURY REPORT:
Tshuma – Questionable
Thompson – Doubtful
Doody – Out