By Chris Mattingly
Should games between Louisville City FC and the new Lexington SC will be considered a rivalry, they’re looking quite friendly if Wednesday’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match is any indication.
A lone goal from LouCity defender Sean Totsch made the difference in a Second Round game at Lynn Family Stadium, where comments afterward expressed appreciation from both side that there are two professional men’s soccer clubs now playing in Kentucky.
“A lot of respect to Lexington,” Totsch said. “They put on a good fight. It was a good performance, and they gave it to us til the very end. The last kick of the game was a goal line save, so all credit to them.”
“…You want to have those regional rivalries. It’s nice to have one here. We used to have Nashville that was considered a rival. But now to have one this close, in the state, having something to play for and that pride was the extra motivation we needed tonight.”
LouCity, which started play in 2015, quickly developed into a second-division USL Championship power. Lexington SC launched this year in third-division USL League One. Similar to the boys in purple down the road, the green and white have launched a youth academy, are constructing training fields and have visions of building a soccer-specific stadium.
“I think they are doing a good job over there,” said LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “They’re building a community and another opportunity to grow the game here in the state, which is fantastic.”
Cruz described Lexington SC — only three games into its history so far — as an “organized” squad that pushed his side.
“I think they’re trying to do things the right way,” Cruz said. “I know they’ve been on the road, like us, the first few games. So I’m sure they’re looking forward to their home opener this weekend. This is a strong group we played against.
“…My hope is that, as I’ve said, they can help continue to grow the soccer community in the state.”
Lexington SC coach Sam Stockley described LouCity as “a top-quality team” and praised the facilities in Louisville — that despite a smaller crowd Wednesday at Lynn Family Stadium after severe weather rolled through just before kickoff.
“Danny’s done a great job, (club president) James O’Connor and the guys there — they’ve got a top, top team,” Stockley said. “They’ve got strength and depth. When you look across and they’re bringing on (Brian) Ownby and other players like that, that’s quality to them and what they’re doing.
“We’re Lexington Sporting Club, and we’re starting our pathway. We’re 10 weeks in. We’re growing, and we hope to be as competitive and successful in our league as they are in their league. That can only be great for the state — great for the Commonwealth — and hopefully we can have more games like this and friendly rivalries.”
By virtue of advancing, LouCity will play a Third Round Open Cup game on April 25 or 26 as Major League Soccer teams enter U.S. Soccer’s annual knockout national championship tournament. The draw is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the B/R Football YouTube channel.
