The loss in Miami did ruin Louisville City’s streak, however, there is still plenty to be happy about the team is still in a great position to secure 1st in the East (AKA first-round bye in the playoffs) and potentially win that elusive regular season title. But, to do that, they have to get back to their winning ways. First up for a new win streak is the Indy Eleven. One more Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest (LIPAFC) as they are all but out of the playoff picture. With that said, there is still life in our rivals (thanks for beating San Antonio, btw) and they will be looking to take advantage of the home match and secure some points of their own.
Last LIPAFC ended in a 1-1 draw with Indy taking advantage of LouCity’s first attempt at a back three this season. They would go on to secure a draw and five wins before the losses started to pour in and derail year one of the Mark Lowery era. INDvSA was their first win since late June. Ouch. While they struggle mightily to find goals (1 GF/G, 25th) their defense is a little better (1.5 GA/G, 15th). Not great stats, but coming off a rare win and getting to face their rival at home does help their case.
Stefano Pinho, Manuel Arteaga, and Solomon Asante are a few names to watch out for. Pinho leads the Eleven with seven goals at a team-high rate of 0.42 per game. He lays claim to the 2nd most shots on target (0.8) and total shots (2.2) per game as well. The Venezuelan, Arteaga, has five goals (2nd) and the 3rd highest player rating (6.82) with the most shots (3.1), shots on target (1.5), and the 2nd highest chances created (14). Asante, a former Phoenix player, was a later addition to the roster. While he has not been as lethal as in years past, he is a big contributor for this team. He has contributed 3 assists (2nd), one goal, and has earned a team-high 7.02 player rating. He has created 26 chances (1st) and 5 big chances (2nd).
FiveThirtyEight favors the traveling LouCity side with a 59% chance to win and only 16% for Indy to get one over on big brother. While there are a lot of positive stats pointing to Louisville being superior, injuries, short rest, and a recent confidence-boosting win for the opposition do not play in LouCity’s favor. Indy is a team with not a lot to lose at this point and would love to hinder Morados’ progress. Cautiously optimistic, however, there are factors making this a tougher outing than it should be. I generally don't believe in "trap games" but this could be one.
Safe travels to all making the trip north for the match! VAMOS MORADOS!
Parting Thoughts
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? I suggest the following:
Be sure to check out the Vamos Morados Podcast featuring me, Benton, and Zach Allen-Kelly. It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Audible, and Spotify. Everything you need to listen can be found on the Podcast page. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
We also host Soccer City Radio on Thursday's from 6:00-7:00 PM EST on ESPN 680/105.7
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