Louisville City FC wrapped up the regular season with a 3-1 victory over the Richmond Kickers at Slugger Field Saturday night.
Tarek Morad’s goal in the 33rd minute marked goals scored by every outfield player on the City roster. Mallan Roberts pulled Richmond level with a brilliant one-timer corner kick. Richard Ballard and Mark-Anthony Kaye added goals in the second half for City to surpass the 60-point mark on the year.
The boys in purple dominated for much of the first half, holding 69% possession. Despite the vast disparity in possession, Richmond was much more direct, matching City in the shots column with six each.
City struck first via a penalty kick by Morad. After Brian Ownby was tripped up in the box, the Los Angeles native stepped up to the spot. Richmond goalkeeper Marcel Debellis saved initial spot kick, but Morad was in position for the rebound.
The goal was followed up with back and forth action until Roberts equalized in the 45th minute.
The game evenly matched for over the next 20 minutes until Richmond’s Luiz Fernando was given his marching orders. Fernando and Morad had tangled up on a ball sent forward. Fernando got to his feet and retaliated with a throwing his shoulder into the defender. The referee had no choice but to show red.
The purple shirts exploited the man advantage taking the lead in the 82nd minute. Oscar Jimenez’s cross was cleared, but not nearly far enough. Kyle Smith headed the ball to an open Richard Ballard, who fired a low shot past Debellis to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Mark-Anthony Kaye added a third two minutes later. The Canadian International cut inside from the left, dribbled past two defenders and curled his effort past the outstretched arms of Debellis to the right post.
After FC Cincinnati rallied to defeat Toronto II, Louisville City will host the Bethlehem Steel in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The date and time will be announced.