Louisville City FC nabs road victory in first game without O'Connor

Gentry Estes | Courier Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Groundbreaking day for Louisville City FC soccer stadium Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer were among those on hand.

A swerving free kick by Cameron Lancaster in the 76th minute pushed Louisville City FC to a 2-1 road victory Saturday night in the club's first match without recently departed head coach James O'Connor.

Lancaster's free-kick goal in the 76th minute was enough to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies and end a five-match winless streak – four of them draws – for LouCity in United Soccer League play.

Kyle Smith scored in the first half to give LouCity a 1-0 lead at intermission. The Rowdies leveled the score in the 71st minute, setting up Lancaster's game-winning boot.

Gentry Estes: 502-582-4205; gestes@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @Gentry_Estes. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/gentrye