LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville City FC record crowd of 10,062 fans saw the second clash between the hosts and FC Cincinnati for the River City Cup end in a 0-0 draw on Saturday night at Slugger Field. Louisville had the better of the game in the first half, with Paco Craig forcing a great save from Cincinnati goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrant early on. The hosts also came close to taking the lead in the 34th minute when Cincinnati’s Pat McMahon made two vital clearances off the goal line from Kyle Smith and Chandler Hoffman to keep the game scoreless at the break. Cincinnati came into the game more after the break, and as a result reduced Louisville’s possession and chances, but Cameron Lancaster’s late free kick that was saved by Hildenbrandt by the right post was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock as the game ended scoreless.

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The visitors on Saturday night, FC Cincinnati has grabbed the headlines for its attendance this season, but Louisville’s strong home support continued to shine as the club welcomed a new record crowd to Slugger Field as it eclipsed five figures for the first time in club history. Louisville’s support has been consistently strong since the club was established a year ago, and is now creating a big presence in the heart of Kentucky.

• 2. The combination of Kadeem Dacres and Kyle Smith pushing forward on the right side was clearly a matchup Louisville thought it could exploit, and Dacres was particularly lively as he looked to get shooting opportunities or service into the penalty area, as Andy Lubahn acted as a second target in the penalty area. While Cincinnati managed to contain the duo more in the second half, that combination will continue to be key as Louisville’s season goes on.

• 3. Given the pressure it was placed under, Cincinnati did well defensively to hold off Louisville throughout the first half. In particular, center back Harrison Delbridge continued his impressive season as his aerial presence and good positioning gave Chandler Hoffman few touches, and even fewer clear looks on goal. That first half effort provided the chance for the side to regroup at halftime, and come out and put in a much better performance in the second half.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Harrison Delbridge, FC Cincinnati – The center back played a key role as Cincinnati absorbed pressure in the first half, and made numerous key clearances and interceptions throughout the game to shut out the Eastern Conference’s leading scorers.

Upcoming Games:

Louisville City FC vs. FC Montreal – July 4, 7:30 p.m. ET, Slugger Field

FC Cincinnati vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – July 2, 6 p.m. ET, Nippert Stadium