Fans of Louisville City have been experiencing struggles that they have yet to experience. Following a wildly disappointing loss to 10th Detroit City, LouCity continues to search for answers as the hopes for a top-of-the-East finish slips farther and farther from reach. With moods at an all-time low, many are coming to the realization that the team may not be the juggernaut it was in the past. The squad’s next challenge is a home affair against Birmingham Legion who are nipping at the heels of LouCity on the table. The last meeting between the two ended favorably, but was this to be the one where the tides begin to shift in Louisville’s favor or does the sadness continue?
Lineup
Match Highlights
34’ – Mares
By The Numbers
Louisville managed the superior possession they desire (52%) and was able to find shots (12 total, 5 on target), yet it was not enough to secure a home victory. With only 0.95 xG, BHM scored twice. LouCity, meanwhile, only found one with an xG of 1.10 despite their best chances not resulting in a goal. “Right now, we’re not winning the critical moments, and that’s costing us results,” Coach Danny Cruz stated after the match. Teams doing more with less while Louisville does not make the most of their chances has unfortunately become the theme of the season.
Player Of The Match
Dylan Mares’ performance was a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable night. Along with his expertly placed goal, he was creating problems for the Legion’s defense with his passing. Four passes into the final third. When your primary attacking threats are not getting it done, it’s his role to step up, and that he did. He came to the club boasting a great goalscoring record in 2022. Here is to hoping that his second in purple was a confidence booster that can help lead to more in the future.
Full-Time Thoughts
The loss to Birmingham marked the first three-game losing streak since the final three of the club’s inaugural season in 2015 (credit to Jeff Milby). Fans were feeling down after the two losses, but now our pain finds new depths. “We’re obviously continuing to be in a tough moment — a lot of adversity as a group,” said Coach Cuz. This team has talent, but they are currently incapable of pulling it all together. “We have to look at it, dissect it, and try to do the best job that we can to get back to the form we know we’re capable of,” Coach Cruz continued on his team’s woes.
“Obviously it’s a tough stretch here,” said midfielder Niall McCabe, who hit 200 club appearances. “We’ve played a lot of games here recently, and the results haven’t gone our way. I still have full confidence in the lads. I’m out there with them every day, and the quality we have is incredible.” What a fantastic achievement for Niall, but unfortunately it corresponded with a forgettable match. He has seen it all at this club, but even the problems of this season are new to him. Uncharted waters for the notorious beasts of the east.
“Ultimately, we have to improve in that area,” Coach Cruz stated of critical moments in matches. “We have to try to do a better job of finishing the chances we do create, and I have to make sure that I’m continuing to try to push the group every single day.” The team is undeniably in a rut and needs a catalyst. A positive outcome for the season is not out of reach, but it does feel increasingly unlikely. Time is against Morados as they search for a solution to get back to their winning ways. Their recent run has seen them operate on limited rest, so perhaps a proper week to rest, digest, and gameplan could be what they need. Next up is the #FillTheFam match against Indy. Getting a chance to down their local rival in front of a (hopefully) record home crowd could be exactly the opportunity they need to recover from the subpar first half of the season.
Parting Thoughts
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? I suggest the following:
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