USL Louisville City FC

City Exits US Open Cup With Fourth Round Loss to Fire

June 17, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release


CHICAGO -- In their first ever match against MLS competition on Tuesday night, Louisville City FC fought and clawed for nearly 120 minutes but fell short to their hosts, the Chicago Fire, 1-0 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round at Toyota Park.

Louisville accounted well for themselves against their MLS counterparts in the first half. After conceding possession early City looked to score on the counter. Matt Fondy had a great chance in the 12th minute, putting a shot on goal and forcing a save from Chicago keeper Sean Johnson. Then in the 21st minute, Magnus Rasmussen nearly put the visitors on top with a shot that beat Johnson, but ricocheted off the crossbar.

Not everything would go quite so well for Louisville in the first half as Tarek Morad was taken off with an injury in the 36th minute.

The second half began just as proceedings had started, with a 0-0 score. However, Louisville began to take a larger portion of possession in the second period. Dacres had a chance to score in the 61st minute after Charlie Adams found space. It deserved a goal, but was cleared away by Chicago.

From the 80th minute on, Chicago applied the pressure heavily, and Louisville again turned to counter attacking. Niall McCabe, who came on in the 81st minute had an excellent chance to grab the winner in the 86th. The Irishman broke free into space and cut the ball inside to his right foot, but was tripped up by a Chicago defender.

After enduring a few Chicago chances, regulation would end at 0-0 and for the second straight time in the U.S. Open Cup, City played into extra-time.

In the first period of extra time, Charlie Adams began things for Louisville in the 10th minute with the first clean shot on goal of the period, but neither side could grab an advantage.

The second extra period saw the home side take control as Chicago poured in corner after corner. Louisville defended bravely and ably, but gave up the winning goal in the 116th minute. Guly do Prado got on the end of a scramble in the box and fired a shot on frame that interceded by the head of forward Quincy Amarikwa. City appealed for handball, but the referee would allow the goal to stand.

City would attempt to answer in the 119th, but Juan Guzman's corner was cleared out by the first Chicago defender. Louisville would pepper balls into the box until the final whistle, but to no avail. Chicago won, 1-0.

The match ends Louisville City's inaugural run in the Open Cup. City will next play the New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, June 20th at Louisville Slugger Field. Kick will be 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets at louisvillecityfc.com/tickets.

Louisville City FC is a professional soccer team founded in 2014 began its inaugural season in 2015. The United Soccer League was founded in 2010 and has expanded to 24 teams for the 2015 season. Louisville City FC will play all home matches at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville.

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