Louisville City FC launches fundraiser for hurricane relief ahead of Tampa Bay Rowdies game

Louisville City FC is raising funds for hurricane relief ahead of Saturday's match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, whose local community was in the path of Hurricane Milton.

Up to $10,000 in community donations will be matched by Louisville City, the club announced on its website . Donations can made online through Sunday.

"We wanted to make a small gesture in their (the Rowdies') effort to recover from the hurricanes," LouCity president James O'Connor said.

The Rowdies safely evacuated from the Tampa Bay area prior to Milton making landfall and were expected to arrive in Louisville from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on either Friday or Saturday, LouCity officials said Thursday.

Tampa Bay narrowly missed the heaviest storm surge from Hurricane Milton, but millions of residents still face flooding and power outages, according to a report from USA TODAY . The storm arrived about two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida.

More: See the damage: Photos from path of Hurricane Milton show devastation in Florida

Louisville City defender Wes Charpie kept in touch with his family in Tarpon Springs, Florida, saying his parents were able to safely evacuate inland before Milton arrived. His club's fundraiser shows the "warmth and the character" of Louisville, he added.

"I think this will go a long way to helping them get back on their feet and start moving forward now after the storms," Charpie said.

Danny Cruz, LouCity's head coach, said the club understands it will be difficult for the Rowdies players and coaches to come to Louisville and not think about the safety of their families, but he also knows the Tampa Bay team to be resilient when faced with pressure.

"If I know anything about the Rowdies, it is that they will come out of this extremely strong because that is who they are as an organization," Cruz said.

Those who donate $100 or more will be entered into a drawing for a signed LouCity jersey, according to the club's website.

LouCity and the Rowdies are expected to play each other Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium. Fans in attendance will be able to receive a rally towel before the match and a fireworks show will follow the game.

LouCity will also be presented with the United Soccer League Championship Players’ Shield, which is awarded to the winner of the league's regular season title.

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville City FC launches fundraiser for hurricane relief ahead of Tampa Bay Rowdies game