Welcome to the Classic Championship Game of the Day, where today we revisit a contest from the Eastern Conference in the 2018 season that saw Louisville City FC play host to Atlanta United 2 at Slugger Field.
The defending USL Championship Final-winner, LouCity had gotten off to a flying start in their defense with victories in four of their first five games of the season. As it reached mid-May, however, the side had hit its first serious bump in the road after back-to-back defeats against Nashville SC and Indy Eleven in which the side had been held scoreless. Returning to its home field – and with almost 9,000 fans on hand to cheer them on – Louisville’s players were looking to get back into the win column.
For Atlanta, the start to its inaugural season in the Championship had also been a solid one. Victory in its opening game against the New York Red Bulls II have been followed by three consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result against Louisville thanks to a late penalty kick by Andrew Carleton on April 21. Atlanta was also coming off a wild 5-4 victory against Toronto FC II in its prior outing that saw Brandon Vazquez score the game-winner with 10 minutes to go, so there was the potential for fireworks in the club’s first trip to Louisville.
The scene is set, so sit back, relax and enjoy a classic clash from the Championship’s history.