Who: TFC II (1-2-2, 5pts) vs. Louisville City FC (4-1-2, 14pts)
When: Wednesday, May 4 at 7:30PM ET
Where: Ontario Soccer Centre
Tickets: http://bit.ly/1RnrbwZ
Livestream: tfc2.ca
Toronto FC II returns to the Ontario Soccer Centre this Wednesday to take on Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City FC.
The Young Reds have lost two in a row after being shutout 1-0 by the Richmond Kickers on Saturday. It was the first time this season that TFC II were shutout by the opposition.
TFC II will have to be at their best defensively against a strong offensive side that has accumulated 13 goals – second in the league next to LA Galaxy’s 14 – and has only been shutout once this season.
“We know that we’re playing against a difficult opponent that is doing quite well this season, said Head Coach Jason Bent following practice on Tuesday.
“They’re a well-coached team. For us it’ll be about our defensive mentality and how do we limit their spaces, and how competitive are we right from the start.”
Gone for Louisville are 2015 USL MVP and Golden Boot Winner Matt Fondy, who scored a USL record 22 goals in 28 regular-season matches last season, and 2015 USL Defender of the Year Bryan Burke. Both signed with Jacksonville Armada FC of the NASL following the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Offseason signing Jon Chandler Hoffman has been tasked with picking up the production left by Fondy and so far he’s done exceptionally well, netting seven goals in seven games to lead the league going into Wednesday’s contest.
Wednesday’s match also marks the return of former Kia TFC Academy and TFC II player Mark-Anthony Kaye.
“Mark’s a very competitive player and I’m sure he’ll be well up for the game,” said Bent.
“From our perspective there are no friends in football. Once you step across those white lines it’s all about business,” he added.
Kaye spent two years with the organization from 2013-2015 before signing with Louisville in the offseason.
Players to Watch
Jon Hoffman. The UCLA product leads the league in scoring with seven goals in seven matches, including a hat trick against FC Cincinnati. Skylar Thomas and the backline will have their hands full against the striker.
Niall McCabe. The Irish midfielder leads the team and the league with three assists on the season.
Toronto FC II take on Louisville City FC this Wednesday, May 4th at 7:30PM ET. Follow along on Twitter @TorontoFCII using the hashtag #TORvLOU and watch the action via livestream at tfc2.ca
