LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For all the success Louisville City FC has had in its first two seasons, there has remained one nut they’ve been unable to crack; the New York Red Bulls II.

Sunday’s game against the defending USL Cup champions will be the sixth meeting between the clubs. The Red Bulls II have taken all five previous contests, including victory in a penalty shootout in their last meeting in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs.

Despite that history, or maybe because of it, Louisville is looking forward to the first meeting of the 2017 season between the teams at MSU Soccer Park.

“For us, we’re obviously looking forward to the game,” said Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor. “They’ve obviously had a good run against us, so it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”

Louisville held the lead in the Eastern Conference Final as Paco Craig’s early goal gave the visitors the lead at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls II hit back in the second half, however, as Florian Valot headed home Vincent Bezecourt’s free kick, and then a pair of penalty saves by New York’s Ryan Meara sent the hosts through in a dramatic shootout.

Bezecourt has continued his strong form from last season’s playoffs, and leads the USL with six assists in addition to five goals. His most recent helper came last Saturday as he set up Brandon Allen for his seventh goal of the season, an illustration of the type of danger in the final third Louisville is expecting in Sunday’s game.

“Where New York are really clinical is, they get a chance and do that and have consistently since they’ve been in the league,” said O’Connor. “They have a number of players both in their MLS team and their regular squad who are very capable players. It’ll be a tough game for us.”

The game will also be a reunion for Speedy Williams, who was a key player in New York’s success a season ago before making the offseason move to Louisville. The young Jamaican has fit in quickly with his new teammates, having made seven appearances and provided a solid presence in the center of midfield. 

RELATED: USL Match Preview – #NYvLOU

After going 80 minutes in Louisville’s 1-0 win against the Charlotte Independence, there’s a good chance Williams will get the chance to match up against his former teammates as O’Connor looks to manage his side’s minutes as it concludes a busy section of the schedule.

“It’s important that we look at the schedule and have players in mind for certain games who we think can affect things,” said O’Connor. “We’ve made sure with the players who have played to get some re-gen and recovery into them and not overload the training. That’s the key — making sure your training load is correct. The guys have been great. Their attitude toward everything has been first class.”

With nine players that appeared in last season’s Eastern Conference Final available for Sunday’s game, Louisville is hoping it can end New York’s hex once and for all.

“It’s an important game this year because they’re sitting right below us on the table,” said defender Oscar Jimenez. “There’s a history from last year, I guess, from the playoffs and stuff, so everybody’s buzzing for it. Everybody wants to take it to them.”