Takeaways from Louisville City FC media day

Louisville City Football Club general manager Amanda Duffy, coach James O'Connor and four players on the USL franchise's inaugural roster gathered Monday for a media day at Louisville Slugger field. Some takeaways from their comments:

• Duffy said the club's training grounds at Thurman Hutchins Park are close to completion. Once done, it'll offer a natural grass surface on which Louisville City FC players can train. "Obviously, the weather didn't help, as that was moving along nicely for us," the GM said. With snow and ice still lingering, Louisville City FC's been limited to artificial surfaces. Also facilities-wise, the retractable pitcher's mound at Louisville Slugger Field will soon be installed and locker rooms are finished. "We're excited to have the keys in our hands now," Duffy added.

• Four players -- Bryan Burke, Juan Guzman, Conor Shanosky and Matt Fondy -- joined O'Connor and Duffy at the interview table. O'Connor said each could have a future in MLS. They can prove it in the U.S. Open Cup, and it's possible Louisville City FC hosts at least one round of the tournament -- on May 20 against an advancing amateur club. "We have thought about it," Duffy said, noting that the game may not happen at Slugger Field with the Bats slated to play there the same day. Louisville City FC could also advance to play an MLS opponent.



• O'Connor has signed players at every position except goalkeeper, though Major League Soccer affiliate Orlando City SC drafted Earl Edwards Jr. out of UCLA in the MLS SuperDraft in January. "We still don't know the players from Orlando that will be here, so there are still some pieces in play," Duffy noted. O'Connor would like 18-19 of his own signees with shipments from Orlando not guaranteed. "It's a special position," he said, noting Louisville City FC's staff has looked at 50-60 prospects. "I can sign a goalkeeper in the morning, but I want to get the right one."

• Burke, a former Orlando City defender, was asked to compare this roster to his last USL club. "We need to learn the system, but talent-wise, everyone's just as good," Burke said. Under O'Connor, also a former Orlando City star, Louisville City FC plans to play at a fast pace. The right-back Burke said that here, he expects to be able to move forward as well and attack. He's one of the players not retained by Orlando, however, as that club moved up to MLS. "It just leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth," Burke said of the situation.



• Duffy said that while she wishes the franchise would have started earlier on reaching out to local businesses about sponsorship opportunities, the club has generally been well received by Louisville. The new GM took over for former president Djorn Buchholz when he stepped down in December. Buchholz was over the weekend announced to the staff of another USL club, the Austin Aztex, as chief commercial officer.