USL Game Report

Thursday, April 16, 2015

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For the third time in as many games, Louisville City FC drew first blood and took a halftime lead into the the locker room. For the second straight contest, they could not hang on for all three points and settled for a 1-1 draw with the Rochester Rhinos on Thursday night at Louisville Slugger Field.

Louisville (1-0-2, 5pts) took the lead in the 36th minute when Matt Fondy made a slick move inside the box and unselfishly gave it up to Juan Guzman, who slotted past Rochester goalkeeper Adam Grinwis. It appeared City might celebrate another home victory as Guzman and his teammates leapt into the stands to celebrate with the supporters. However, the second half would tell a different story.

Rochester (2-0-2, 8pts) went on the attack for most of the second half. Earning several direct free kicks from just outside the penalty area, the Rhinos put pressure on Louisville's backline and goalkeeper Scott Goodwin until they finally broke through in the 68th minute.

After a Rochester free kick went straight into the wall, City was unable to get a solid clearance off and Alex Dixon got behind the defense into space and snuck the ball just under the outstretched arms of Goodwin.

After the goal, neither team really threatened to add a late winner, leaving both clubs still unbeaten this season.

City has a quick turnaround and will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Riverhounds on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Rochester, meanwhile, will complete its season-opening road trip with a visit to Saint Louis FC on Saturday night, with kickoff schedule for 8:30 p.m. ET.