Wilder, KY—Saturday, July 23rd the River City Rovers traveled to Northern Kentucky to play their   final match against close rival, the Cincinnati Kings. “We’ve played the Kings 3 times now, and even though we’re more familiar with their plays, it still never gets easier,” commented Jeff Joliet, one of the Rovers’ owners who attended the game.

 

The match was played under sweltering conditions of high heat & humidity. The first half was a tight contest between defensive sides. The Kings earned 2 yellow cards in the first 45 minutes; both were plays involving Rovers’ #20, Jarrett Robbins. Although Robbins was able to recover from each incident, the falls took their toll and he accepted a substitution at the 55th minute in the second half. Taking the lead role in the box for absent Kees Heemskerk, Rovers GK Ben Dempsey played the entire 90 minutes, showcasing his talents with numerous dramatic saves throughout the evening. The Kings ended the first half with a goal in 42nd minute.   

 

The second half of the game began with a re-energized (and rehydrated) Rovers team. The Kings responded with more tackles. Kings player #36 was cautioned on an ineffective and injurious tackle against Rovers # 25; Rovers’ Nate Driggers was cleated in the face; and Rovers’ Khan Suleiman was sent to the sidelines medic for head and leg lacerations. In the Kings’ 3rd and final yellow card at the 55th minute, the Rovers received a penalty kick and player #6, Sam Brooks, scored the nights’ goal for the Louisville team. Final game score, 1-1.