Can we talk…with Leigh Nieves

Leigh Nieves is the President of the Lavender Legion, one of Racing Louisville FC's fantastic supporters groups.

I don't know if even the most ardent Racing fan would have said they would get 6 points out of 9 in their 3 game in 7 days stretch. What were your expectations?

Leigh: I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but I knew we were going to pull off some points! I think now that we are beginning to see the line up really come together, we will be seeing more of this. Having Merrick, Salmon, and Cheyna now available full time has been a game changer and you can tell!

Speaking of player availability, Racing are about to face two of the league's best in Orlando and Portland with them missing players. Do you expect the winning to continue?

It will be interesting to see how we fair against Portland. They are a great team this year, but we are going to be in front of a home crowd and our confidence and finishing is building and improving every game. Orlando has really been impressing me this year, but I think now that we are even more lethal up top, that we can take them.

It will be an interesting match to watch. Switching gears a bit, what's it been like being involved in a new Supporters Group, while being limited a bit by Covid restrictions? I have found the club to be great to work with and never imagined the amount of cooperation I have received. What has it been like for the Lavender Legion?

Well, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it's been a cake walk because it hasn't been, ha ha. Especially kicking off in a pandemic. It was challenging trying to conjure up organization because we wanted to get off the ground, but we wanted everyone to be safe while doing it. Now that we are gaining some traction, we are realizing it was a huge bonding experience. We are building a pretty cool and inclusive culture in the Legion, which I am stoked about.

Does the Lavender Legion have preferred section? Do you enjoy watching the matches surrounded by a rowdy crowd or are you like me, trying to pick apart the game analytically?

Currently we hang out in the Estopinal End with lots of sun screen. (It's the worst spot in the stadium for sun, lol). I really am all about the experience when I attend a game. I leave the analytics for after the game when I rewatch it at home. Live sports and entertainment has always been so much more of a feeling rather than a think piece. This is why I 100% could never be a coach or athlete.

I am an analytical person, so I always default to that way of watching a game. Since you brought it up, do you rewatch every game?

I try to! I would say I do it for about 50% of games!

I think the kits and the variety of merchandise have been great. Do you have a favorite piece of merch?

It really has been! I mean, I selfishly want to say the "This is Her Louisville" collaboration shirt we made with Racing to recognize our first tifo,

but the real answer is the #DatAss shirts, lol.

You can't beat that one! Does the Lavender Legion have any special events coming up?

Well we are REALLY excited because this Saturday will be our first official March to the Match EVER! Thank you vaccines and weekend games. 🙏

Awesome. Where does the march start?

We are starting a Ten20 Brewing. They've been amazing supporters this season. They even named a drink after us.

That is cool. What's it called?

The Lavender Legion Lemonade! Its vodka, lemonade, and lavender syrup.

Sounds delicious. Thanks for answering my questions.

You're so welcome!

Follow Leigh on Twitter @LeighNieves and also be sure to join The Lavender Legion for only $5.02 and follow them on Twitter @LavenderLegion.