February 4, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Forwards Jorge Gonzalez and Wilson Harris both scored Saturday as Louisville City FC played Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City to a 2-2 draw in a closed-door preseason game at Grand Canyon University Stadium in Arizona.
It marked LouCity’s second straight result earned against MLS competition dating back to Monday’s scoreless draw at Nashville SC.
City led 2-0 before Sporting KC rallied behind a brace from Remi Walter, who converted a 75th-minute penalty kick and netted another goal in the 90th off a half-cleared corner.
Gonzalez had opened scoring with a 54th-minute shot from distance, and Harris – who played in Sporting KC’s system before his move to Louisville last year – doubled the lead in the 67th when assisted by LouCity Academy member Isaac Cano.
“We played against a difficult opponent, and I was really pleased with the performance of the group,” said LouCity’s coach, Danny Cruz. “We worked this week on our ability on the ball, and I thought we were fantastic in that area, scoring two really good goals. On the defensive side of the ball we were excellent. It was unfortunate that a penalty was called, But all in all, I’m really, really pleased with the result.”
A dramatic second half followed a quiet opening 45 minutes highlighted by a pair of major chances. Goalkeeper Danny Faundez batted away a pair of Sporting KC shots in the 27th minute, while LouCity forced the opposition into a fingertip save into stoppage time. The boys in purple rotated between the posts for the second half after Faundez left the game with an injury.
Harris came on for 45 minutes following Cameron Lancaster, who opened the game on the pitch at striker. LouCity rotated in most of its roster, including midfielder Niall McCabe, who saw his first game minutes since suffering a season-ending foot injury last summer.
From here, LouCity will remain out west, spending a week based in Tucson, Ariz, in preparation for a 2023 USL Championship season kicking off March 11. Season, group and premium tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now by visiting LouCity.com/tickets or calling (502) LOU-CITY during regular business hours. Single game tickets will go on sale Feb. 28.
2023 LouCity preseason schedule
Monday, Jan. 30 at Nashville SC (D, 0-0)
Saturday, Feb. 4 vs. Sporting KC (D, 2-2)
Monday, Feb. 6 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC*
Thursday, Feb. 9 vs. New Mexico United*
Saturday, Feb….