What was once a farfetched thought became reality on a rainy Tuesday evening in July. Eintracht Frankfurt, the 2022 UEFA Europa League winners and participants in the German Bundesliga, came to Louisville, KY to take on Louisville City. It is hard to start how big moments like these are for blossoming soccer communities. Having a team of Frankfurt’s caliber experience, and appreciate, what Soccer Holdings has built in this city is a testament to the growth of the game in this city. While many locals are quite familiar with their local soccer product(s), there is still a notable population who forgo supporting their local club in favor of higher-level play in Europe. This is the kind of opportunity that can open the minds of that contingent and win over new LouCity fans.
“I thought it was an incredible opportunity for people to come out and see one of the teams from one of the top leagues in the world and see the level they can play at,” Coach Danny Cruz commented after the match. The 4-0 scoreline is, unfortunately, what many would have expected given the difference in level in play, however, the score was very much secondary to the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game and experience a unique matchup. “They did pretty well,” Frankfurt’s Mario Götze said of LouCity’s performance. “They pressed us very high — physical game. So, it wasn’t easy for us.” Götze was not only a member of the 2014 German World Cup team. He was the man who scored the World Cup Final game-winner in extra time. Does it get much bigger or more dramatic!?
The boys in purple held their own in the first half. In fact, they arguably looked to be the better side for the first 20 minutes. However, after a weather delay at the start of the second half, the visitors stepped on the gas and piled it on. Being a friendly, both sides saw a number of substitutions. Louisville City had the opportunity to play a handful of academy products. The match also featured the return of both Kyle Adams and Adrien Perez who have been out of action due to injury.
There is not much to glean from this match. It was a friendly against an opponent whose payroll budget is an order of magnitude bigger than the home side. This was a rare opportunity to watch the club we love in a (relatively) stress-free match taking on an opponent we could have only previously dreamed of playing. Coach Cruz stated, “I think it was a wonderful night for the club, and for the community.” It was quite a special night.
Parting Thoughts
Want more reading on LouCity? Check out the following:
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