In an exciting and closely contested match, Louisville City FC faced a 2-1 defeat against FC Kaiserslautern in their first-ever international friendly at Lynn Family Stadium. However, the result did not overshadow the significant moments and positives that emerged from the game.

With a total attendance of 7,167 fans, the stadium was filled with a mix of home purple and the visiting red of FCK. The match marked the return of midfielder Niall McCabe and defender Manny Perez from injury, providing a boost to the LouCity squad. Furthermore, towards the end of the game, seven players from the LouCity Academy, including two current professionals and five amateurs, shared the pitch simultaneously, offering a valuable experience for the young talents and laying the foundation for their future development.

Despite being in the midst of their USL Championship regular season, LouCity started the game on the front foot and took the lead in the 14th minute. Dylan Mares capitalized on a giveaway by the Red Devils’ defense, delivering a clever pass over a diving FCK defender. Enoch Mushagalusa received the ball and fired a powerful shot from the top of the box, giving the home side the early advantage.

However, FC Kaiserslautern responded with a surge in intensity. Amidst a sudden rainstorm, star striker and U.S. international Terrence Boyd was tripped up in the box but managed to score an impressive equalizer while lying on the ground in the 27th minute. Boyd continued to make an impact for FCK, giving them the lead in the 41st minute after a LouCity turnover in the midfield led to a breakaway counter-attack and a well-executed chip-in goal.

Throughout the match, both teams had opportunities to score, and LouCity came close to finding an equalizer in the 76th minute. Maarten Pouwels played a clever flicked pass behind the defense, finding Paolo DelPiccolo in a scoring position. However, the Red Devils’ goalkeeper made a crucial point-blank save to deny LouCity.

The match also saw a noteworthy performance from LouCity goalkeeper Danny Faundez, who made two impressive saves in the second half to keep his team in contention. This was Faundez’s first appearance in the 2023 season after his heroic contributions in last year’s playoffs. LouCity made six lineup changes from their previous match against Phoenix Rising FC, with the upcoming USL Championship game against Las Vegas Lights in mind.

After halftime, both teams made several substitutions, and LouCity had the opportunity to reintroduce midfielder Niall McCabe, who last played on March 25, and defender Manny Perez, whose last appearance was on May 27, after recovering from their respective injuries.

Reflecting on the match, LouCity coach Danny Cruz expressed his satisfaction with the evening, considering it a fantastic experience for everyone involved. He highlighted the quality of both teams and commended FC Kaiserslautern for their travel and performance. Terrence Boyd, who had previously played in the United States, praised the competitiveness of LouCity and the tactical approach of coach Danny Cruz, comparing it favorably to German football.

The match against FC Kaiserslautern marked the first of two international friendlies for LouCity during the summer. They will host Mexico’s Atlante FC on Saturday, July 15, providing another exciting opportunity for fans to enjoy high-level soccer. Tickets and additional information can be found at LouCity.com/Atlante.

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Photo By Chris Humphrey