LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC hopes to add to its 2017 and 2018 USL Championship trophy collection. The USL Championships Playoff’s Eastern Conference semifinal round begins at Lynn Family Stadium as the boys in purple play host.

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville City FC will host Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium

  • The boys in purple have had a record-breaking season

  • Lou City is currently the number one seed in Eastern Conference

Fresh off a bye week and coming in as the number one seed in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, Louisville City FC is hunting for their third championship title.

“The players have had an excellent week of training. They are excited to finally get our playoff run started,” said Head Coach Danny Cruz.

That starts tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium as they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

“One of the biggest things that stood out to us is that we can switch formations, the last couple of games we’ve been able to switch formations on the fly to give us a different tactical look so we’re going into the playoffs with that,” Amadou Dia, defender for Louisville City FC said.

This marks the third time in four years the clubs will meet in the playoffs.

Coach Cruz will also have his hands full, with 6 players listed on the injury report. Cameron Lancaster, Kyle Morton and Brian Ownby as questionable and Jorge Gonzalez, Niall McCabe and Ian Soler out.

“One thing I know about this group is when someone’s number is called, they’ve stepped up this year, it’s why we finished the way we did,” Cruz said. “I have full faith in everyone in that locker room and full faith in the team that I put out on Saturday is going to give us the best chance to win the game.”

Louisville FC will play host after a record-breaking regular season.

“It’s the fans, at home Louisville City and the fans have made it extremely difficult for teams to come in here and play their style so we are very grateful for them and we can’t wait to see them show out on Saturday with us,” Dia said.

Recently those same fans have been protesting during their matches. Fans brought signs that read "Arrest Holly," "Boycott concessions," and some are even calling for the termination of Louisville City president, James O’ Connor.

This follows the independent investigation released earlier this month into the National Women’s Soccer League where former Racing Louisville head coach, Christy Holly, is at the center of a sexual assault and harassment investigation.

“We’ve seen the statements that the players have put out, that the club has put out, we fully support the ability to do anything we can that’s going to improve the club and make this a safer and better place to work,” Cruz said.

Despite the turmoil, Cruz said his focus is on Pittsburg.

“If Lou City were to come out with a win, it would make 8 years the club would make an Eastern Conference final appearance. That’s every season the club has played,” explained Cruz.

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