The battle for the Kings’ Cup kicks off on the opening day of the season in 2017 as Saint Louis FC’s return to the Eastern Conference is marked by a clash with its biggest rival. Louisville held the upper hand when the two teams met last season with a sweep of the season series on the way to the Eastern Conference Final in the USL Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive year, and Head Coach James O’Connor’s side will be eager to get off to another strong start.

Standing in its way, however, will be a greatly reshaped STLFC roster in its first competitive game under new Head Coach Preki. The 2014 USL Coach of the Year has recruited what looks like a strong squad on paper, and with a large traveling contingent of fans likely to make the trip to Louisville, the atmosphere should be one to savor for everyone at Slugger Field.