February 15, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC’s unbeaten preseason run continued Thursday with a 2-1 away win over Major League Soccer’s St. Louis CITY SC.
Elijah Wynder and Kyle Adams scored in the second half at CITYPARK, where St. Louis lined up a formidable side in its final preseason game. The host club kicks off play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup – the annual confederation championship formerly known as Champions League – next week.
“I think there’s still, certainly, areas where we want to continue to improve,” said coach Danny Cruz. “But the mentality of the group was excellent of everyone that stepped on the field, and I think it starts there. The guys are buying into the shape. It’s clear.
“We’re excited about the performance, but at the same time we’re making sure it’s clear to the group that you’re never satisfied, you’re not complacent, and we still have a lot of room to grow.”
After a quiet opening 45 minutes, Wynder was quick to get on the board in the second half, picking off a defender in the 47th minute thanks to a successful press and slotting home a goal. The lead held until the 51st minute, when St. Louis’ Aziel Jackson netted an equalizer.
From there, things escalated as LouCity and St. Louis traded chances. Wilson Harris saw a shot cleared off the line, while Wynder tracked down and blocked the opposing counter seconds later.
Adams headed LouCity back in front in the 56th minute as the center back found himself on the receiving end of Adrien Perez’s corner kick. Jorge Gonzalez also hit back of the net in the 84th minute, but video review disallowed the goal for offside.
After a full 90 minutes, the clubs scrimmaged another half hour that saw both teams score another goal, including one that counted for Gonzalez.
“I thought we saw growth from an attacking standpoint,” Cruz said. “The players were brave. We worked a ton on our verticality over the course of the last week. I thought it was excellent from the group.”
LouCity made this its third straight preseason victory as the boys in purple tune up for their USL Championship opener on March 16. Their home opener is set for Saturday, March 23, at Lynn Family Stadium.
2024 Louisville City FC Preseason Schedule
Feb. 3 at Austin FC (D, 2-2)
Feb. 7 vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (W, 2-0)
Feb. 11 vs. Sacramento Republic FC (W, 3-2)
Feb. 15 at St. Louis CITY SC (W, 2-1)
Feb. 18 vs. Lexington SC
March 1 vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
March 9…