LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Niall McCabe saw tiny Young Harris College, which had an enrollment of about 800 students when he arrived, as the ideal spot to play soccer without the distractions of a big city.

The North Georgia school likewise attracted Ilija Ilic and Paco Craig, two other Europeans seeking an education while they played the game they love.

“The USA’s the only country where you can do that,” Ilic noted.

And so the trio, all from Europe, honed their skills as Young Harris transitioned from a junior college to four-year liberal arts institution. They had dreams of playing soccer professionally, and it’s something more than a coincidence that years later, they all star for Louisville City FC.

Much of the credit belongs to Young Harris coach Mark McKeever, who will lead the Mountain Lions during Saturday’s closed-door preseason game at the LouCity training ground. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Thurman-Hutchins Park.

“We’ve all got great respect for Mark,” said LouCity coach James O’Connor. “He’s an excellent coach. He’s someone who I believe will move on to bigger and better things. He’s got an outstanding record there. He’s got a really good eye for a player.”