Don’t know much about Louisville City FC? Perhaps you should, dear USL fan, since their the reigning league champ and a natural geographic rival for the Boys in Gold. Fortunately for you, I caught up with “Not-So Ultra Capo” Wyatt Weeks (@NotSoultraCapo) for intel on this weekend’s opponent:
For Club and Country: Louisville is obviously the reigning USL champ, so how much of the team returns intact? Who are the key additions to the roster (and the key losses)?
NotSoUltraCapo: Nearly the entire championship team is still under contract – with the exceptions of Tarek Morad, Sean Reynolds, and Micah Bledsoe [FCAC: Bledsoe is currently NSC’s third keeper].
In my opinion, the team did a really good job of upgrading in positions we lost. Bringing in defenders: Alexis Soughy of Bowling Green State University, a young versatile defender that can play both outside wing and in the middle. Veterans Pat McMahon (FC Cincinnati) and Shaun Francis (San Jose Earthquakes and Montreal Impact). As well as bringing back a key midfielder from the beginning year os Lou City in the form of Magnus Rasmussen.
Altogether, we look to be a much stronger team than last year, which we definitely need to be with FC Cincinnati, Indy Eleven, and Nashville SC all spending quite a bit to assemble fantastic squads to make a run for the cup.
For Club and Country: What are the expectations for this team in the Eastern Conference, as well as the playoffs? Is a repeat the only goal lofty enough?
NotSoUltraCapo: I don’t think anyone is comig into this season with the “repeat or bust” mentality, but as a fanbase we have been pretty spoiled these first few years with Louisville City. With the team making the Eastern Conference Finals its first two year and winning the USL in its third, I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to say there are some lofty expectations for this team.
For Club and Country: What is the average Louisville City fan’s take on Nashville? Are they going to be considered a key rival or is the impending jump to MLS diminishing that rivalry factor?
NotSoUltraCapo: From what I’ve experienced with Nashville supporter, we’re definitely going to have that “frienemy” relationship, much like the one we have with St. Louis supporters. At the end of the day, we’ll all be drinking bourbon and having a good time.
For Club and Country: What should NSC fans making the trip up to Derby City expect from the atmosphere, and what pre- and post-game activities would you recommend for visitors?
NotSoUltraCapo: Traveling Nashville supporters can expect to be welcomed to our community tailgate with ope arms. We tailgate at the northeast corner of the western parking lot outside of Slugger. Free food (donations are appreciated), drinks and music, as well as a raffle (usually for something with a team logo that has been signed – and often an expensive bourbon is also up for grabs through the raffle). You can get lots of hugs – we’re a very “hug-friendly” bunch.
Postgame, most of us struggle our way over to Butchertown Pizza Hall for a victory pizza and beer. Butchertown can be found at: 1301 Story Ave. – just a few blocks from the stadium. Again, traveling fans can expect to be greeted with hugs and requests to sit down with us.
For Club and Country: Do you have a projected starting XI for LCFC?
NotSoUltraCapo: As for a starting XI, it’s almost – I don’t want to say it’s irrelevant, but we often don’t stick to our “starting XI” in terms of formation. That being said, I believe we’ll start in a three-back formation looking like this:
GK: Ranjitsingh
CB: Francis, Craig, Totsch
WB: Smith, Jimenez
M: McCabe, Williams (defensive), DelPiccolo
F: Ballard, Spencer
But again, staring formation means almost nothing with this team. They are always switching positions and the look of the defense throughout the match.
Many, many thanks to Wyatt for taking the time to chat about Louisville City FC. Nashville fans making the trip, don’t be shy if you’re looking for tailgating locations.
Club and Country 