March 17, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC forward Enoch Mushagalusa and midfielders Elijah Wynder and Paolo DelPiccolo (L to R) celebrate
(Louisville City FC, Credit: Orange County SC)
Louisville City FC lost only two league games last season at its Lynn Family Stadium, but the boys in purple get the chance to repay the favor to Monterey Bay FC when the clubs meet again Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET at Cardinale Stadium, with Monterey Bay the home side this time in Seaside, California.
A 2022 expansion club, Monterey Bay was only 10 games into its inaugural campaign when it notched a shocking, 2-0 victory over LouCity on May 21 in front of more than 10,000 purple-clad fans.
The club improved dramatically as its first season went on, finishing 12-18-4. A playoff spot will be the goal in Year 2, especially after Monterey Bay FC raced past Hartford Athletic by a 5-3 score in its 2023 opener. LouCity defeated Orange County SC, 3-1, last weekend.
Those Match Day 1 results and their goal differentials make Saturday’s game a meeting of clubs sitting atop the Eastern and Western Conference tables.
Follow along
– Saturday’s game will air live on MyTV and ESPN Louisville’s 680/105.7.
– If streaming, download the free WDRB Now app to watch the local feed in Louisville. ESPN+ also streams the home feed of all USL Championship games not selected for national TV.
– For Starting XI and in-game updates, follow @loucityfc on Twitter and Louisville City FC on Facebook. Also find the club at louisvillecityfc on Instagram.
Availability report
Wes Charpie (Out)
Danny Faundez (Questionable)
Jorge Gonzalez (Out)
Wilson Harris (Out)
Kyle Morton (Questionable)
Ray Serrano (Out)
Story lines…
West coast swing: Saturday’s game will mark the second of LouCity’s three early season 10 p.m. ET kickoffs in California. The boys in purple remained out west following last weekend’s victory at Orange County SC and return to the Golden State for an April 1 matchup with Sacramento Republic FC.
One to watch: Veteran winger Alex Dixon starred for Monterey Bay FC in his club debut, registering the league’s lone Week 1 hat trick. All three of his goals hit the back of the net before the halftime whistle. Dixon is a familiar opponent for LouCity having played most recently for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 2021 and 2022.
The 200 club: By subbing on in the 70th minute at Orange County, team captain Paolo DelPiccolo now sits on 199…