Louisville City FC Hosts First International Friendly Match

2023

Louisville City FC is set to make history this summer as it hosts its inaugural international friendly against the illustrious German club FC Kaiserslautern. The match is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday, June 21, at the Lynn Family Stadium.

As a member of the 2 Bundesliga, FC Kaiserslautern boasts a rich history, having secured numerous top-level titles since its establishment in 1900, with the most recent triumph in the 1997-1998 season. The club has garnered an American following, particularly due to its close proximity to the United States’ Ramstein Air Base, the headquarters for U.S. air forces in Europe.

The pregame Fan Zone will open its gates at 6:30 p.m., offering special promotions for eager fans. Attendees can enjoy a $2 bratwurst and beer happy hour ahead of the highly anticipated kickoff.

Hailing from Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, FC Kaiserslautern holds the distinction of being a founding Bundesliga member, participating in the top-flight division every year from 1963 to 1996. With an impressive tally of four German titles, two domestic cups, and a notable UEFA Champions League quarterfinal appearance in 1999, the club's legacy precedes itself.

LouCity's head coach, Danny Cruz, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming such a historically significant opponent to Lynn Family Stadium. "FC Kaiserslautern is a name I certainly know, and I’m sure most of our locker room does, as a club with great history," said Cruz. "It’s exciting to welcome this type of competition to Lynn Family Stadium. Given our facilities and Louisville’s reputation as a welcoming town, we intend to put ourselves on the map for more international clubs to visit in the future."

FCK, under the management of former German international central defender Dirk Schuster, is gearing up for the 2023-2024 campaign and will utilize its time in Louisville as part of the preseason preparation.

The team's roster predominantly features German players, with Terrence Boyd standing out as the leading scorer. Boyd, 31, holds dual citizenship and has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team with 14 appearances.

Thomas Hengen, CEO of FC Kaiserslautern, expressed excitement about the upcoming match, stating, "We’re looking forward to our training camp in the United States and a game at Louisville City FC. It will be an interesting challenge from a sporting perspective and hopefully a great atmosphere at Lynn Family Stadium. We are proud to be LouCity’s first-ever international opponent."

This historic encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, not only for local soccer enthusiasts but also for fans of international football, as two clubs from different continents clash at Lynn Family Stadium.