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Dynamic Duo Powering Louisville Toward Top

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/23/17, 10:02AM EDT

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Spencer, Jimenez have emerged to provide boost in pursuit of first


Photos courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – When the season began, Louisville City FC’s Luke Spencer and Oscar Jimenez might have flown under the radar a little given the talent that was assembled elsewhere in the club’s squad.

After another pair of outstanding performances on Sunday in Louisville’s 3-1 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium, however, the pair have taken center stage in Louisville’s drive to reach the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

“In Oscar’s case, he deserves tremendous credit, and the same for Luke,” said Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor after Sunday’s victory, City’s fourth in its last five outings. “We gave them opportunities, but they’re two guys who, their character has stood out like a shining star. And they’re really good footballers. I think maybe they were just overlooked, because they’re the kind of players who don’t always grab the highlights. We were really excited to sign such quality players who we knew were going to go and be part of what we need.”

If they weren’t grabbing highlights before, both Spencer and Jimenez are now. An offseason arrival from River Cities Cup rival FC Cincinnati – where he played 68 minutes in his rookie season – Spencer’s aerial prowess has provided crucial goals for Louisville in each of its past three outings. Against Bethlehem, he skied over the opposing defense and goalkeeper Tomas Romero to give Louisville a lead it wouldn’t relinquish, and then added a second for good measure to record his team-leading eighth goal of the season.

Spencer’s ability in the air fits hand in glove with what Jimenez has brought the side down the left flank. Whether acting as a fullback in a flat back four or a wing-back in Louisville’s current 3-4-2-1 formation, Jimenez’s ability to deliver from open play and set pieces has proved invaluable. The former Tulsa Roughnecks FC player – who spent last season in the PDL with Mississippi Brilla FC – sits 11th in the USL with 39 chances created, putting him close to the same company as Tulsa Roughnecks FC playmaker Juan Pablo Caffa, and Reno 1868 FC’s Antoine Hoppenot.

As well as he’s played, though, Jimenez gives credit to O’Connor and the manner Louisville continues to approach the game for his success this season.

“James does a really good job of knowing what he wants,” said Jimenez. “He has a certain style he plays, and he looks for certain qualities in players. He does a really good job of finding that. His roster’s small because everyone on his team can start and play 90 if they have to. It’s a credit to him and the way he goes about finding players.”


Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

Louisville is now strongly positioned after Sunday’s victory and Saturday’s draw between the Charlotte Independence and Orlando City B. Only three points behind first-place Charlotte with three games in hand, City would move top of the standings on Wednesday with a win when it hosts the Harrisburg City Islanders in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3. From there, it has the chance to kick on and ensure the Eastern Conference Playoffs go through Slugger Field at the end of the season.

With Jimenez and Spencer on a hot run of form, Louisville’s attack seems primed to drive onward and upward.

“I feel like we’ve been gaining confidence in our attack and on our shots,” said Jimenez. “Everyone’s been dialed in during training with that aspect, and it’s been showing the last couple of games. We’re growing in that aspect, and it’s good to see especially now. It’s getting to be crunch time in the season.”

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