by: Cody Ruth
Well, this is grotesquely later than I hoped. I blame the Derby for the tardiness, but that’s not really the reason, it’s just convenient. Now, on to the headlines!
April started much as March ended as we lost to Pittsburgh 1-0 on a penalty. In the first game of the month, we were gutted by injuries (which will continue to be a theme on the month) with Paolo DelPiccolo, Brian Ownby, George Davis IV, Luke Spencer, Richard Ballard and Chris Hubbard all injured. The game was typical Lilleyball, with the Riverhounds steadfastly refusing to concede a goal. If it wasn’t for an unfortunate collision Between Alexis Souahy and a couple of Riverhounds, the game would likely have ended in a scoreless draw. Unfortunately for the good guys, that bump led to a penalty that was well taken and the bus was parked as the bad guys were content to walk away with all three points.
Right before the next game, there was a very exciting signing as Louisville City signed their first Academy player, 16 year old Elijah Wynder. Apparently, the kid has chops as he made the 18 as we traveled down to Tampa Bay. After conceding a quick goal to the Rowdies in the 14th minute, LouCity didn’t come back with a lot of fire. Only the exploits of The Mad Dane, Magnus Rasmussen got us back in the game. After dribbling through FOUR Rowdies defenders, he was dispossessed right in front of goal. Abdou Mbacke Thiam was waiting to pounce, as he calmly slipped it past the helpless keeper in the 88th, breaking our losing streak.
The next game played at Slugger, as we welcomed Ottawa Fury to the cozy confines of our hybrid pitch. With Tim Dobrowolski injured, we signed Emergency Backup Keeper, Casey Clark. Dude has a full-time job and got signed in case we need last-ditch heroics. Respect. In the game, however, Ottawa looked meager working to contain the LCFC pressure. We continually worked the ball side-to-side, trying to open up space to work in. Each time we lost the ball it seemed that within a couple of touches we had it right back. Los Morados weren’t afraid to take a chance in this game, as they shot as much from outside the box as they did from inside. At the hour mark, McCabe drilled a pass to an unmarked Lucky Mkosana at the top of the 6-yard box and he launched the ball low and hard on the first touch to put the game away.
As Clark had to go back to work (hence the Emergency moniker), we signed our 4th full-time keeper Brian Holt before the clash with Memphis. In the first regular season meeting between Coach John Hackworth and his son Morgan (#HackworthDerby), the father looked to be on the stronger side. Memphis was ineffective and toothless all night, recording only a single shot on target, but THAT WASN’T EVEN HOW THEY SCORED THEIR ONLY GOAL. Sigh. Magnus had a field day, recording a goal and an assist on another Mkosana goal. In the kind of thing that is so weird it had to be true, Thiam was trying to clear the ball out of the box in the 71st minute, and managed to precisely put in the top corner, far post to give Memphis a consolation goal.
In action off the field, AEG was named stadium operations partner. They own and operate several stadia, and happen to own the LA Galaxy in MLS as well. I have no doubt they know what they’re doing, I just hope that what they are doing doesn’t involve seven-dollar beer.
Speaking of the stadium, El Presidente’s efforts on the stadium have not gone unnoticed, as Brad Estes was named one of six finalists for the “TheStadiumBusiness Awards Executive of the Year“, which sounds very important and prestigious. We will find out in early June if the Head Honcho will bring home the goods.
Let’s hope May will break the injury curse that has plagued us so far this season. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)
¡Vamos Morados!
Cody Ruth