LouCity to Face Pittsburgh in High-Stakes Rematch
Louisville City FC is gearing up for an intense rematch against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, one of the top teams in the USL Championship. The clash, set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two high-profile clubs.
LouCity, currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, will have the home advantage and the larger grass pitch, which could lead to more goal-scoring opportunities compared to their previous encounter, which ended in a scoreless draw in Pittsburgh. However, the boys in purple will need to be cautious of fatigue, coming off a weekend victory against Loudoun United FC and with an upcoming international friendly against Mexico’s Atlante FC on Saturday.
The busy schedule continues for LouCity, with a total of five games in 15 days, featuring a recurring pattern of Saturday matches followed by midweek fixtures. This demanding period will test the team’s depth and endurance.
With an overall record of 8-4-5 and 29 points, LouCity is on a four-game unbeaten streak dating back to June 17. The club is determined to compete for the best record in the league, currently sitting five points behind the leaders with a game in hand at the halfway point of the season.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, on the other hand, has been unbeaten since April 22, going 11 games without a loss. However, they have struggled to find the back of the net in their recent matches, failing to score in three of their last four games. Known for their defensive solidity, the Riverhounds have conceded only 12 goals this season, the second-lowest in the Eastern Conference.
LouCity fans attending the match will have the opportunity to enjoy a $2 beer and hot dog happy hour in Lynn Family Stadium’s Fan Zone before kickoff. Free LouCity bucket hats, courtesy of game sponsor Kentucky Kingdom, will also be available while supplies last.
The game will be broadcast live locally on WBKI/The CW and ESPN Louisville’s 680/105.7. For those streaming the match, the WDRB Now app provides access to the local feed in Louisville, while ESPN+ streams the home feed for all USL Championship games not selected for national TV.
Player availability remains a concern for LouCity, with several players listed as out or questionable. However, the team will receive a boost from the recent milestone achieved by Sean Totsch, who became the second player in LouCity’s history to reach 200 USL Championship appearances.
Rookie goalkeeper Oliver Semmle continues to impress with his outstanding performances, having kept nine clean sheets this season. He is closing in on the league record of 15 shutouts, set in 2018 by Maxime Crepeau. LouCity’s defense has been exceptional, and a fourth consecutive clean sheet against Pittsburgh would be the second-longest streak in the club’s history.
As LouCity celebrates the third anniversary of Lynn Family Stadium’s first-ever game, the team will look to honor the occasion with a strong performance. Midfielder Niall McCabe, returning from an early season injury, showcased his creativity and impact during the recent victory against Loudoun United, providing four chances for his team.
Cameron Lancaster, LouCity’s all-time leading scorer, found the back of the net in the previous match, marking his second goal of the season. Despite his injury struggles, Lancaster remains one of the top strikers in the league, currently ranking third on the all-time USL Championship goal-scoring list with 76 regular-season goals.
Coach Danny Cruz is hopeful that winger Brian Ownby will make a return to the lineup, bringing his game-changing abilities to the team. Ownby has been dealing with injuries but made a significant impact in his one appearance, providing the game-winning assist against Las Vegas Lights FC.
LouCity fans can look forward to an exciting weekend with the club’s second international friendly against Mexico’s Atlante FC. The Saturday game will also celebrate Latin culture, featuring live pregame entertainment, food, and drink.
With high stakes and a demanding schedule, Louisville City FC is ready to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in a thrilling showdown. The boys in purple are determined to continue their unbeaten run and solidify their position among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
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