LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC will tune up for the 2017 United Soccer League slate with four preseason games against a combination of college and professional opponents, the club announced Tuesday.

After a two-week trip in February to train at the world-class IMG Academy, LouCity’s preseason opens with a March 4 game against Young Harris College. The boys in purple will then compete with Lipscomb University (March 8), the University of Kentucky (March 15) and Indy Eleven (March 18) before opening USL play the weekend of March 24-26.

Louisville’s regular-season schedule will soon be released by the USL.

“The biggest thing about preseason is base fitness — getting our foundation in place,” said Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor. “After that, you want to get through games injury-free. It’s such a critical part of the year. People tend to underestimate the value of preseason.

“You obviously want to try to win the games, but in preseason it’s important to see the patterns you also want to see throughout the season. You’re trying to iron out individual needs as well as team needs and see where you are.”

RELATED: Louisville Set For Preseason Stint at IMG Academy

Louisville’s opening preseason contest against Young Harris will be closed to the general public but open to the first 100 season ticket holders who RSVP. Email Director of Ticket Sales Dave Walkovic (dwalkovic@louisvillecityfc.com) to reserve your spot.

The preseason games against Lipscomb University and the University of Kentucky will be open to the public, while the final preseason game against Indy will be held at the University of Evansville’s Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville, Ind. Admission will cost $5 at the gate.

Louisville City FC 2017 Preseason Schedule
March 4 – vs. Young Harris, 11 a.m. ET, Thurman-Hutchins Park
March 8 – vs. Lipscomb University, 7 p.m. ET, Elizabethtown Sports Complex
March 15 – vs. University of Kentucky, 7 p.m. ET, Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex
March 18 – vs. Indy Eleven, 6 p.m. ET, Arad McCutchan Stadium