Louisville City FC: Goaltending, US Open Cup and Media Day thoughts

With the opening of the 2015 USL season coming at the end of the month, and the start of Louisville City FC, the new club hosted media day yesterday. But, since I live in Bowling Green, I was unable to attend. Fortunately, the Courier-Journal sent Jonathan Linter to attend, and that’s where all this information is coming from! So, before we start, thanks Mr. Linter.

First and foremost, if you look at the LCFC roster, you’ll notice that they are just about ready to take the field! As a matter of fact, they are currently in their preseason schedule, meaning they have taken the field. Why am I stressing all of this? Because there currently isn’t a keeper on the roster. Mr. Linter, please enlighten us.

"[LCFC head coach James] O’Connor has signed players at every position except goalkeeper, though Major League Soccer affiliate Orlando City SC drafted Earl Edwards Jr. out of UCLA in the MLS SuperDraft in January. “We still don’t know the players from Orlando that will be here, so there are still some pieces in play,” [LCFC General Manager Amanda] Duffy noted. O’Connor would like 18-19 of his own signees with shipments from Orlando not guaranteed. “It’s a special position,” he said, noting Louisville City FC’s staff has looked at 50-60 prospects. “I can sign a goalkeeper in the morning, but I want to get the right one.”– Jonathan Linter on Louisville City FC’s lack of goaltending"

This should put to rest any concerns someone has over the lack of a goalie right now. For those new to the soccer scene, the USL acts, in many ways, like a AAA team does in baseball. So, Louisville City is to Orlando City in MLS as the Bats are to the Reds. It would be fun to see a brand spanking-new player begin his career in Louisville City, but with over 50 guys having been looked at, your guess is as good as mine. (Except if any of you are reading this via O-Towns 11.)

Aside from the 14 league matches LCFC will host, there’s an opportunity to play host on a grandish stage, as the U.S. Open Cup could be coming to the ‘Ville.

"…it’s possible Louisville City FC hosts at least one round of the tournament — on May 20 against an advancing amateur club. “We have thought about it,” Duffy said, noting that the game may not happen at Slugger Field with the Bats slated to play there the same day. Louisville City FC could also advance to play an MLS opponent.– Jonatahan Linter on Louisville City FC potentially hosting a US Open Cup game"

The US Open might not have the prestige or hoopla about it that a tournament that has been around for over 100 years would have, but for a club at the level of LCFC, it can be huge. If they do win that game against a lower-tiered club, they’ll earn the right to play an MLS side, which would be very exciting. (Last year, the Atlanta Silverbacks for the NASL hosted two MLS clubs in the tournament.)

The season starting is closer and closer and I, for one, start getting more and more excited.