The Bent Musket predicts (Open Cup edition): Revolution at Louisville City FC

Revolution right back Andrew Farrell enjoyed a stellar career at the University of Louisville, becoming the 2012 Big East Defender of the Year and a First Team All-American. He led a defense that allowed a paltry 0.62 goals per game in conference play that year.

Although he learned soccer (and Spanish) while living in Peru until the age of 15, his family eventually settled in Louisville. His soccer prowess in his new hometown translated into his being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2013 MLS Draft. That pick, originally owned by Toronto FC, fell to the New England Revolution in a trade on the eve of the draft. It’s still the only time the Revs have held the number one pick.

Farrell’s success has continued in the pro ranks, where he’s played in an MLS Cup final, earned an MLS All-Star nod, made over 170 appearances in five-plus years, and finally scored his first-ever goal this season. One thing he hasn’t accomplished, though, is playing a competitive soccer match in his alma mater’s new soccer facility, Lynn Stadium, which was completed in 2014, a couple years after his final season at the school.

He may finally get his chance on Tuesday when his New England Revolution battle USL-side Louisville City FC in that very stadium in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.

Who will prevail in this non-league matchup between Tier 1 and Tier 2 clubs? Our staff at The Bent Musket thinks they have a good idea of how it’ll go down in the Bluegrass State:

Seth: Revs 2, LCFC 1

Comment: Friedel loves to win, so I think he’ll take this game seriously. That said, he’s going to have to rest some players because of the Revolution’s busy schedule. Furthermore, LCFC is a tough team that just won the USL Championship last season. I expect this game to be tougher than others expect, but I still predict that the Revs will advance.

Tony: Revs 2 LCFC 0

Comment: The Revs feel pretty good about themselves after a draw and a win against two of the league's top clubs. Friedel sounds like he's in it to win it. Even a New England second-choice lineup that will likely include previous starters should be sufficient to overcome a solid USL side in its home city. I expect to see the likes of Juan Agudelo, Kelyn Rowe, Krisztian Nemeth, Scott Caldwell, Brandon Bye, Zach Herivaux, Claude Dielna, Gabriel Somi, Brian Wright, Cody Cropper, Nicolas Samayoa — and maybe even Diego Fagundez, Wilfried Zahibo and Luis Caicedo for a spell — on the pitch. Not a bad 11 at all.

Jake: Revs 3 , L’Ville 1

Comment: New England might be starting a makeshift backline on defense, but there’s still going to be a few regulars on the field that should be more than enough to handle the USL Champs. It’s still going to be a great opportunity for rookies and youngsters like Zach Herivaux, Nicholas Samoyoa, Brian Wright and Mark Segbers to get some serious minutes though I expect a few regulars like Kelyn Rowe, Scott Caldwell, and maybe Kristian Nemeth to possibly be in the starting lineup. Louisville is no pushover, they’re the defending USL champions for a reason, but the Revs kids can break out the speed and counter early and get control of the game in the first half, this should be a win.

Summary:

NE win: 3

LCFC win: 0

Draw: N/A

Point allocation: Correct result = 3 Correct score (both) = 2 Correct score (one) = 1

Note: Since the match may go to penalty kicks, an additional point will be awarded for the correct number of successful PKs per team.

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!