Come to us our champion boys! O soccer-ing day! Callooh! Callay!

That’s right folks, your very own 2017 USL Champions were back in action today at Woehrle Athletic Complex in Jeffersonville, IN. The preseason slate kicked off at 11:00 AM against the scrappy lads from Young Harris, but the action got started around 9:00 AM with the Lou City Tailgate crew. Despite cold temperatures, rain, wind, more rain, more wind, and more rain, the crew produced copious amounts of sausage, flapjacks, and (most importantly) mimosas. Big shout to Lance McGarvey for recognizing the crew on Soccer City Radio this morning.

Speculation began immediately as to the whereabouts of Greg Ranjitsingh. It turns out Greg Ranjitsingh has been replaced by Greg Ranjitsingh’s twin from the Mirror Universe, where instead of goatees they have close cropped haircuts. So yes, Greg started in goal, just sporting a new haircut.

The first half did start off with a surprise, formation-wise. Los Morados deployed in a 4-1-4-1 featuring Luke, Richie, GD IV, Speedy, Niall, Paolo, Sean Totsch, Kyle, Oscar, and Paco. Lou City quickly went on the attack as The Coopers and other assembled supporters led the crowd of around 200-300 in an a capella rendition of My Old Kentucky Home. Put simply, Young Harris clan ain’t nothin’ to fuss with. The back line was particularly stubborn.

Despite the tenacity of the defense, Richie Ballard put in a strong technical showing. His cross to Luke in the 27th was particularly impressive, even if the shot deflected off the crossbar. The first clear opportunity can also be credited to Luke Spencer. A strong charge into the box ended with Luke tumbling end over end. The referee pulled out his card for the Young Harris defender, but it’s quite possible the true culprit was the wet turf. In any case, Luke spotted the ball for a penalty which ended up well deflected by the Young Harris keeper who had a good day overall despite what was to come.

The second half saw a reversion to the more expected 3-4-3. Cameron stepped in, as well as newcomers Pat McMahon and keeper Chris Hubbard. Joining them was veteran/sort-of-newcomer Magnus Rasmussen. And boy did they show their chops. Early on there was a beautiful cross to Ballard which found the keeper, but the boys in purple were just getting started. Cameron found the inside post from distance to put Lou City on top 1-0. As the excitement for the goal continued, Young Harris found the net after a defensive breakdown thanks (possibly) to the Woehrle Turf Monster. That proved to be the only Young Harris goal, as Lou City pressed the attack for the remainder of the match.

Several players combined for opportunities, but it was Pat McMahon who put a ball through to Magnus that eventually found the net, making it 2-1. MagRam! Oscar and Cameron contributed several other opportunities, but it was Niall McCabe that rocketed one in from distance just as the final whistle blew. After an impressive showing by both squads, the match ended 3-1 in favor of Lou City.

Takeaways:

After a warm-up in Florida it doesn’t seem as if the boys have much rust coming off their championship season. And while many of us have (legitimately) been concerned with a lack of news from the club it appears as if there’s a method to the madness. JOC seems to be playing things very close to the vest. We’re confident there will be some additional news in the near future. The club seems to be taking lye and lard in hand, ready to make for a soapy 2018 USL season.