October 5, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release
Louisville City FC’s Arturo Ordóñez and Amadou Dia
(Louisville City FC, Credit: Connor Cunningham)
With a 2-2 draw Saturday against rival Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC claimed some silverware. And from here, the boys in purple can turn their attention to the trophy they’re seeking most.
A hobbling Jake Morris drew LouCity level four minutes into second half stoppage time at Carroll Stadium, and a dramatic result proved enough to clinch the club’s first USL Championship Players’ Shield.
The Players’ Shield – awarded for the league’s best regular season record – also means the No. 1 overall playoff seed and home field advantage throughout the USL Championship Final, should City advance there.
Amid a record-setting season, the boys in purple are looking to win their first league title since going back to back in 2017 and 2018.
“I don’t want them to be satisfied,” coach Danny Cruz said of his team. “This is an objective. This is something the players earned and something they should certainly be proud of – no question about that.
“…I don’t want anybody in that locker room – I don’t want my staff – to be satisfied with being the Players’ Shield winner. You see it time and time again. I want them to be proud, no question, but not satisfied.
“That will be the messaging tonight to the group, and that will continue to be the messaging pushing forward because we have a group that can do something special. But we need to keep our eye focused on the next opponent.”
Morris, inserted as an 81st-minute substitute, appeared to injure his ankle in a collision shortly after coming onto the field. But LouCity was out of subs, and Morris found a way to press forward.
Deep into the five minutes added, a cross landed to Dylan Mares at the far post. He passed it to the middle of the box, where the ailing Morris stepped toward it and scored.
It wasn’t a full three points City has achieved much of this season – but one point earned from the draw was enough to secure the shield. The Charleston Battery are nine points back with three regular season games to go, and the boys in purple hold the tiebreaker on their closest pursuers.
“We knew coming into the game it was going to be a rivalry game,” said forward Ray Serrano. “We knew it was going to come down to those critical moments. Obviously we gave up a few of those critical moments when we switched off there. But I’m just happy that the guys…
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