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Louisville vs Cincinnati: Same City Rivalry, New Meaning
By: Jim Hanauer
The Louisville Lightning and Cincinnati 1790 Express have only played three times this season in the Professional Arena Soccer League, but don't let that fool you: this is one heated rivalry. With every game coming down to the last minute and two overtimes, these two teams know each is a formidable foe.
It started with the opening game when Cincinnati came into Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club and pulled a tremendous comeback. “We know that home loss left a salty taste in their mouth, especially not being able to put us away while up 6-2 in the 4th quarter. I have to admit that it felt oh so sweet to be the veteran organization and swoop into Louisville only to quiet the capacity crowd,” noted Sam Fiore, veteran forward of the Cincinnati Express.
These closely competed games have all come from tremendous goaltending by two of the best goalies in the PASL: Louisville's Frank Peabody and Cincinnati's Craig Salvati. Both goalies had very impressive NCAA careers as Salvati (2009 PASL Goalkeeper of the Year) played for the #1 Maryland Terripans his senior year while Peabody was ranked #1 statistically for Butler University. Peabody describes the rivalry as “what it is all about. Both teams leave everything on the field, emotionally and physically spent after each outing. It's the type of game players dream of playing in. It's 1 vs. 2 with everything on the line. It's that spotlight that you grow up dreaming about, and spend the rest of your career training for. This is the matchup that excites fans because it's the best matchup there is.”
The rivalry looks to heat up again this Friday night, the 18th as the Express come to Louisville for the 4th and final matchup between the competitive squads and the excitement is sure to be better than ever. With every game being critical in the final stretch of the season, this game promises to be everything the fans are hoping for. Last Friday, the Lightning fell short to the Express in one of the best games ever played in Cincinnati according to Craig Rhodis, player/coachof the Express. Craig noted that, “The last game we had was the best I have been a part of in the PASL. The crowd was on their feet, even had the fans from both teams yelling at each other. The players were playing at a bit higher level than normal because it was obvious that it was a big game”
Although the intensity is high and both teams note the competitive nature of the rivalry, there is no lack of respect between the team. "The rivalry has really started to heat up between us. The indoor game is extremely fast paced and we both bring that aspect to the table. Not only is there a strong competitive aspect to the rivalry but a strong amount of respect,” noted Salvati of the Express. But don't let that fool you, both teams eagerly want to win as noted by Adam Boyer of the Lightning, “We really want to bring home a WIN for the Louisville side this Friday night and put our stamp on this rivalry.”
Owner and Chairman of the Lighting Wayne Estopinal believes that fans will continue to enjoy the action for years to come, and that it will only get better. “The Louisville Lightning and 1790 Express rivalry is young, but feels very mature. Our players know many of theirs and both teams are competitors. If the Lightning’s inaugural year is any indication, this rivalry will grow,” said Estopinal. Ted Nichols, Estopinal’s partner, added, “This is the ideal situation. You couldn’t have scripted it any better. For the team just across the Ohio River to be our number one competitor, its fantastic.” General Manager and player of the Lightning, David Horne, played for the Express last season. “It’s been quite the experience see the expansion of the league and the growth of both organizations. To have this rivalry now with my old teammates is a blast, but it’ll be a lot more fun once we get a win against them.” said Horne.
