After the absolute thriller that was LOUvTBR, the boys in purple had one more road trip in 2024. Its back to San Antonio for the first time since the 2022 USL Finals. Although Louisville City already got their payback from that loss in the finals, the team was playing to keep up their good run of form and potentially pad some numbers as they approach several records. San Antonio is not the same powerhouse they were a few years ago but would still be a quality test for Louisville as the regular season approaches its end.
While less memorable than their last trip to SA, it was a more positive result for Louisville City. Between the stats and the “eye test”, a draw was a fair result. It was about as even as it gets; 52% possession for the home side, 13 shots for both teams, and 1.15 xG for SA to LouCity’s 1.23. The team would have liked to have returned home with all three points, but a 1-1 draw isn’t too concerning considering the starting lineup featured quite a few changes from what fans have come to expect. Coach Danny Cruz shared his mindset on the rotation, “The idea was to obviously get some guys some rest as well because this is travel against a team that we know is a very physical opponent — but at the same time put guys in positions to get minutes tonight that prepares them as well to be ready for the playoffs.” Despite the fact the team did not add to their total win count, Coach Cruz was pleased with the performance. “I thought the group tonight was excellent. I asked them to fight. I knew it was going to be an ugly game, and every single one of them stepped up.” Off-the-bench options such as Sam Gleadle and Phil Goodrum along with the likes of Carlos Moguel and Evan Davila who have not seen a ton of action were all able to contribute to the team’s effort and give the staff a reason to consider them in the post-season lineup selection.
This was only the club’s 4th draw this season. Unfortunately, the result means that LouCity will not reach the record 78 points in a season set by the 2019 Phoenix squad. Reaching the record goal count of 89 is possible, but it’s unlikely that they score 7 in the last match (but it’s happened before!). There is still one record that Louisville has a decent shot at and that is tying the total win count. Beat Phoenix Rising in the final match and they are there. The team is more interested in trophies, but flirting with various records helps to cement their legacy.
With the last road trip complete, the rest of the season will be in the safety of Lynn Family Stadium. A match with PHX to close out the regular season and then it is playoff time. The squad will maintain their “one match at a time” philosophy as they look to keep the good times going. Momentum is a powerful thing. Ending the regular season on a high note will be important for the squad as they look to add more trophies to the haul along with the Players Shield.
Parting Thoughts
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