LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Richard Ballard scored his first league goal to lift Louisville City FC to a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence in front of 7,403 fans at Slugger Field. The game began openly, and Louisville created the first big chance in the 12th minute as a break upfield saw Paolo DelPiccolo slip in Cameron Lancaster in the center of the penalty area, only for Independence goalkeeper Cody Mizell to parry the shot over. Mizell was also sharp to turn aside a chance for DelPiccolo in the 38th minute, getting down well after the Independence were unable to clear a corner to palm wide of the left post. Charlotte had chances, but couldn’t quite connect in the final third in the first half. Then early in the second half the Independence were reduced to 10 men when Ashani Fairclough was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Brian Ownby. Louisville soon took advantage as a good build-up down the right saw Lancaster laid a pass off to Ballard, who fired home his first professional goal into the right corner in the 57th minute. Brian Ownby almost added a second five minutes later, only to send his finish from Ballard’s low cross high. Charlotte’s introduction of Alex and Enzo Martinez as substitutes provided a lift for the side, and Enzo Martinez forced a low save by Louisville goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh with eight minutes to go. Donnie Smith also produced a dangerous free kick three minutes later that also brought a fine save from Ranjitsingh to deny him, but Louisville was able to hold firm defensively late to allow Ballard’s goal to stand as the winner, and earn a big three points.

Scoring: 
57’ – LOU – Richard Ballard (Cameron Lancaster)

• #LOUvCLT: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Scoring his first league goal for his hometown team in front of another excellent crowd at Slugger Field must have been a thrilling moment for Richard Ballard, who was electric throughout the game down the right wing for Louisville. A former standout at Indiana University, Ballard came into the lineup for Mark-Anthony Kaye – away in international duty with Canada – and in addition to his excellent finish to open the scoring also created two scoring chances as the hosts held the upper hand. After scoring five goals in his career for the Hoosiers, the Louisville DuPont Manuel grad will be hoping Wednesday night’s tally was the first of many to come this season for City.

• 2. Facing three challenging contests in a seven-day span, Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries sensibly rotated his lineup for Wednesday’s game, hoping his side would be able to find space on the counter-attack to do enough to get a result in a tough road contest. With Louisville flying high offensively after Saturday’s 4-4 draw, though, the hosts speed seemed to get the better of the Independence’s back line, which resulted in a tough debut for Ashani Fairclough as he was sent off in the 50th minute for two yellow cards that were at least in part caused by the speed City brought to the attacking third. The Independence will look to rebound on Saturday, and hope for better as they visit Cincinnati.  

• 3. Louisville has been getting it done well enough on the road so far this season, but at home is where the club can really made its push to remain in the elite in the Eastern Conference. City is 2-0-2 at home this season, and holds an 11-game undefeated streak including the playoffs dating back to the 2016 regular season. With a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday afternoon against the New York Red Bulls II up next, Head Coach James O’Connor’s side is looking in in the sort of form that will keep it challenging both Charleston and Tampa Bay for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Richard Ballard, Louisville City FC – Ballard’s first league goal gave City victory, and provided a memorable moment for the hometown standout in front of 7,403 fans.

Upcoming Games:
Louisville City FC at New York Red Bulls II – June 11, 4 p.m. ET, MSU Soccer Park
Charlotte Independence at FC Cincinnati – June 10, 7 p.m. ET, Nippert Stadium