BIRMIMGHAM LEGION FC0

LOUISVILLE CITY FC 3

5-11-19

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Three points from six in the two contests versus Birmingham Legion FC was not the aggregate John Hackworth & co. would have been figuring on as the season rolled around. However, having dropped the home leg 2-3 a mere 41 days earlier, Los Morados bravos greedily grabbed what was left on the table as they easily took care of a disappointing Birmingham Legion side on Saturday night by the score of 3-0.

The margin could have been greater, but who could seriously complain, what with injuries and various other wrinkles the team has needed to navigate their way through already in 2019? After all, plenty went right in this game that had somehow not been working out in recent times.

For the second fixture in succession a lightning delay went into effect, this time around resulting in only a short delay to the game kicking off (and a therefore truncated episode of Andy Griffith).

When the event finally got underway, 15 minutes late and with the rain still pouring down, the Boys In Purple came out of the gate playing with purpose and eager to revert to the season’s prescription.

Directly from kickoff, Niall McCabe deputy Napo Matsoso was hauled down by Zach Herivaux 32 yards out and Oscar Jimenez hit a free kick into the wall and the rebound well wide of the goal.

A minute on, and Ben Lundt, making a welcome return after missing out at Swope Park with an ankle tweak, took a ball at his feet and sent it out to Oscar who looked up and dropped a glorious 45 yard chip over central defender Mathieu Laurent and on to the foot of Luke Spencer. The center forward took it down in full flight and was in on goal but he was rushed by Legion backstop Trevor Spangenberg. Spencer’s touch to go by the keeper was heavy and the ball ran out for a goal kick.

However, in the 6th minute the positive Purples opening paid dividends. Ex-St Louis left back Kyle Culbertson’s weak clearance left his defense open as Oscar collected and fed in to a checking Magnus Rasmussen. The adroit Dane turned, teed and seemed simply to stroke the ball goalward, yet it somehow exploded off his left foot and rocketed past a stunned Spangenberg.

It was No. 7’s best goal yet, and amid the usual pool of fantastic finishes this effort must nevertheless qualify as a firm candidate for ‘USL Goal of the Month’.

Oscar very nearly had a second assist just 3 minutes on as he took the ball forward in acres of space and deftly split Herivaux and Laurent. Lucky Mkosana has of late been sniffing out a few of these but this time he was unable to catch up as the former Richmond Kicker ‘keeper advanced rapidly off his line to collect the ball first.

The wide dwelling Washingtonian was enjoying an amazing opening phase and in the 12th No. 19 stepped up again, received a lay back from Luke and clipped a cross into the area. This time Lucky tried his luck with a spectacular bike but failed to connect while coincidentally distracting George Davis IV behind whom the ball bounced off and safely to Spangenberg.

George, like Luke, was returning to the starting lineup for the first time since the Riverhounds game.

City were harrying and hemming in the home side but in the 20th minute Luke turned the ball over just ahead of halfway and the ball fell to talented Crew loanee JJ Williams. From deep on the left and with the outside of his right Williams bent a searching cross into the path of Prosper Kasim who on the far side was racing into a hole left by Shaun Francis, caught high anticipating an overlap chance. The marauding Ghanaian could not bring the ball under control in time though, allowing the City defense the time it needed to recover.

The Boys In Purple (and road whites) were hardly perturbed, however, and pressed again. Speedy Williams sent a raking crossfielder to Shaun on the left and he had time to survey and skip one into the area for Luke who couldn’t react in time as Laurent got in ahead.

A minute later a fine City movement beginning with Ben and sweeping all the way up the field saw Magnus, via a give-and-go with Luke, put himself into space in the corner of the area and send another sizzler across the face of the goal, but this time wide of Spangenberg’s left-hand post.

Hack’s hopeful men were still not letting up, and in the 24th Shaun Francis was fed by Paco Craig, pushed forward up the left and from deep floated a cross in toward Lucky at the edge of the 6 yard area but covered by Culbertson.

Franno would comment after the game that, though eye contact had been made, his pass was not perfect, but in fact it could hardly have been more exactly aimed as it looped delectably to where Lucky was waiting to leap to head goalward. Culbertson blocked while fading away which left the ex Penn FC man to seize on the loose ball and crash it through Spangenberg and City were now two goals to the good.

As Tommy Soehn’s side realized the need to open up and assert itself more, the two clubs began exchanging counter attacks. With seven City players caught on a raid upfield, star midfielder Daniel Johnson received a turned over ball and set off on a 45 yard dash through the center of the field and right at the heart of the Louisville defense. The Chicago Fire’s No. 11 pick in 2017 out of UofL drew the attention of the three defenders then slipped the ball through for Chandler Hoffman, but the offside flag went up as Ben dived to fend off the ex-Morado’s effort in any case.

Johnson had shown loyalty and trust in his captain, leaving City extremely fortunate he chose to shun new boy JJ Williams, goal bound and wide open to the other side of him. Shades of being caught twice on the counter in the corresponding fixture at Slugger Field.

City gathered themselves and Speedy played a delightful diagonal raker over the top to George Davis IV who volleyed first-time back inside for Lucky. Herivaux, the season long loanee from the Revs, reacted snappily to sneak in ahead and nudge the ball away for a corner.

Oscar’s patented near post bender was met powerfully by the head of Alexis Soahy, switching back in for Taylor Peay, and had to be cleared off the line by the feet of Trevor Spangenberg, the busy backup ‘keeper summoning his “Kicker” roots, maybe.

Right back in the City half, Oscar checked forward to challenge Culbertson who beat him to feed the dangerous Johnson in behind. Alexis pinched over to cover but may not have received the memo on Johnson’s tendency to cut on to his dynamic right foot.

This almost led to the chagrin of Nos. 19 & 3 as Johnson picked out Chandler Hoffman, now in the hole left by Alexis’ covering play, and the 14 goal scorer for City in 2016 spun and cracked a 10 yard effort from the angle that was ticketed for Ben Lundt’s top corner, but the rangy German flew to his right to tip the ball around his goal post, and earn the unofficial save of the match.

The corner from the left was taken short and Daigo Kobayashi’s far post cross forced a followup corner off Napo which was collected safely in the sure hands of Ben’s.

With Sean Totsch on the bench City were without a recognized number six on the field and space was appearing at times between midfield and defense as the home side were making their way in to try to take advantage. The Morados structure, while stretched, was (figuratively and literally) resisting the storm and holding its own without breaking down.

Paco nearly changed all that in the 39th when his misdirected outlet ball went directly to Kobayashi who endeavored to spring JJ Williams, but Alexis slid over heroically to cut out the lead pass.

City had gifted a goal at Swope Park in similar fashion, and a repeat performance right here may have been damaging (ref. Jordan Pickford, Everton vs Liverpool).

In first half stoppage time, the ever threatening Johnson cut inside by the backtracking Lucky and from 19 yards thumped a shot not far over Ben’s bar.

The Lou City bench staff would have been making furious notes on how to more effectively deal with the former Fire wizard come the 2nd half.

While both clubs would have gone in at half time feeling they had less return than their efforts deserved, it would be the visitors who would take the game by the scruff of the neck from the outset of the second.

Soehn had replaced center back Herivaux, inserting former Rev striker Femi Hollinger-Janzen to play a utility role, and City were quick to try to exploit this tactical change.

On 52 minutes, Oscar had room up the right and whipped one low to the edge of the area which George again met delicately on the volley, slipping it through the back line for Lucky. The man who tallied 11 times in 2018 has lately been reprising his poaching pedigree, and he made no mistake with his finish past Spangenberg. However, No. 77 had sprung a split second early, the flag correctly went up and the effort was nullified.

But a mere 60 seconds later, Los Morados would have the ball in the Birmingham net once more, and this time the goal would count.

Lucky swung a ball from right wing which Hollinger-Janzen, under pressure, relayed laterally to right back Gael Mabiala. The Frenchman needed a touch to get clear of a challenge by George, but Shaun Francis anticipated brilliantly and raced in from out of the gloom. The redoubtable Reggae Boy got a toe in to strip Mabiala then wired a low center into the 6 yard box, finding Luke Spencer who had ghosted in behind Laurent. And the Xavier College old boy duly directed it past Spangenberg to give the delighted Bluegrassers a secure three goal lead.

The Legion had been looking disjointed and Speedy Williams was reveling in the time and space on offer as he swung in a cross for George, but this time Mabiala scrambled it across the goal line.

Soehn now brought on Crew loanee Edward Opoku for Prosper Kasim to try to boost what had been a lightweight Legion offense.

In the 60th, Oscar lost a ball in transition and the sly Kobayashi took over and found Hoffman in the gap with room to advance. The homegrown captain carried into the Louisville area, and from near the top corner blasted in a bid for the far side-netting. But on this occasion it was going to take something special to beat Big Ben Lundt, and the ace custodian was down in a flash to deny the chance.

Now Legion were showing desperation and started working the left wing channel sending in multiple crosses, looking to serve main aerial threat JJ Williams, but each time matters were dealt with by the back line, leaving a mostly comfortable Ben back in reserve.

On the counter, a long ball out from Paco caught the Legion defense napping, and Luke in space tried to feed Lucky to his right, but Culbertson saved his team with a timely interception.

Luke’s second goal in straight games had qualified this as another useful outing and on 71 minutes he made way for Abdou Thiam who would take over up top and see enough of the ball though still struggle to recapture his form leading up the Swope Park game.

Abdou very nearly came in with a bang when he rolled off Hollinger-Janzen and seemed to be played in by Speedy but Spangenberg and the offside flag appeared in unison to extinguish his chance.

Johnson had been awaiting his big moment, and it almost came in the 75th when he collected a soft headed clearance of Oscar’s and set his sights on Ben’s net, however his 20 yard curler for the top corner was bravely turned wide by the head of Paco.

With Brian Wright returning to New England, the Legion offense this time around was proving toothless, though it should not go without noting that, after going three ahead early (on what would turn out to be their lone second half shot), The Boys In Purple had done well to limit their host’s opportunities and turn their own penalty area into a low event zone.

A rare exception occurred in the 84th as Oscar ran himself into a dead end lane in the opposition half and the ball arrived with Johnson who clipped forward a beauty for Opuku. Alexis was covering for his full back, but Opuku suddenly cut inside and smashed a shot from the top of the area. For the only time on the night Ben was beaten, but lamentably for the Legion the ball caromed back off the post and then away off JJ Williams who was alertly following up but unable to turn it back on goal.

Johnson, who was following up as well, picked up the loose ball at the top of the box, carried it central and dropped to Kobayashi whose low 30 yarder was always drifting wide.

JJ Williams played over the top for an Opuku half chance but this was put paid to by Paco’s last gasp tackle, and misery for the Magic City Brigade and co. was complete, whilst the proud and much respected Louisville traveling contingent prepared to celebrate a comprehensive road victory.

The substitutions of Sean Totsch and Pat McMahon for George and Lucky to close out the game were the only other events of any note and Los Morados were happy to escape the incessant rain and the ‘Magic City’ and return home with the treasure.

The result lifts Morados to joint 5th (w/ Charleston) in the East.

They will next appear Wednesday evening, 7pm at Lynn Stadium to open their 2019 US Open Cup campaign in a 2nd round matchup with Reading United AC, before facing a championship showdown with St Louis FC back at Slugger on Saturday night.

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@LouCityKiwi’s PLAYER RATINGS OUT OF 10:

Ben Lundt: 8

Backstopped a deserved 2nd team and personal shutout on the season. Appeared pretty much 100% after missing out at Swope Park. Not overly taxed but produced a pair of excellent saves – a well placed upright taking care of the rest.

Alexis Souahy: 8 1/2

Very little wrong in the Frenchman’s superb return to the side. Helped keep the back line intact with strong marking and timely coverage in others’(Oscar’s) absences. Responsible for one great goal-saving interception to bail out his partner.

Paco Craig: 8

Faced some questions in the 1st half though fewer later on as he and the City defense mostly looked secure the further the game went along.

Oscar Jimenez: 7 1/2

Outstanding in the opposition half and constantly unsettling the Legion defense with key passes galore, some of which were unfortunately spurned. Just a little less convincing when defending in his own half and at times when transitioning out of the back.

George Davis IV : 7

Showed some of his old touches and trademark strong running off the ball (including hustle integral in the 3rd goal), and altogether managed well enough through his 85 minutes on the pitch.

Napo Matsoso: 7

More than reasonable debut start drawing in for the suspended Mr McCabe. Spotty 1st half while adjusting to the rigors of the USL, but settled down nicely and by the end of the evening was coolly handling business. Positional responsibility a big plus for Napo.

Speedy Williams: 8 1/2

Accomplished and most efficient performance in the pivot role. Strong in possession, and selecting and completing his lateral distribution effectively while crucially never allowing the opposition midfield to gain ascendency.

Magnus Rasmussen: 8 1/2

Scored an absolute screamer and generally maintained his excellent standard for the season to date. Impact tapered slightly as the game wore on, but by then the tone was set and affairs were fully in hand.

Lucky Mkosana: 7 1/2

Capitalized ruthlessly once and “un”Lucky to have a second taken away. Still some polishing to do, but with application can be a valuable contributor to team stats this season.

Luke Spencer: 7 1/2

2 tallies in 2 games has No. 9’s season again looking promising. As with Lucky, took the best chance superbly, though the ball work and hold up play still require buffering. The more minutes under his belt, the more efficacy the big front man will demonstrate.

Abdou Mbacke Thiam: 5

After a frustrating turn the previous match, given 20 minutes to show his chops, though still saving his best for future outings.

Sean Totsch: 7

Came on late to solidify the victory and did just that.

Pat McMahon: N/A

Pleasing to see Patty M. getting some minutes, and hopefully there will be more such tactical opportunities for the depth man with the top level attitude.

“LOS MORADOS NO. 1 ⭐️ OF THE GAME”

⭐️⭐️⭐️Shaun Francis⭐️⭐️⭐️: 9

Continuing a trend of minimizing personal errors and maintaining equilibrium on Los Morados left side while delivering several terrific crosses, including, after his steal, an assist for Luke’s goal, plus an unregistered (though effective) helper to Lucky on his. Along with Magnus, displaying the most unexpectedly upward trajectory this season, and may represent quite a gap to fill (over 4 matches) if called up by the Reggae Boyz for the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in June.

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