Cruz led Louisville to multiple club records this season.
A game in which no one could score gave way to a penalty kick session where (almost) nobody could miss.
The Boys in Purple struck early but couldn't net a go-ahead score after the visitors drew level in the second half.
The team is 1-0 this season after beating Atlanta United 2 in its season opener.
Louisville City FC opens a 32-game regular season schedule April 24, when Atlanta United 2 visits Lynn Family Stadium.
LouCity head coach John Hackworth didn't want weather to stand in his team's way of beginning its preseason work.
How do you beat the novel coronavirus that has killed more than a quarter-million in the United States and forced untold disruptions to life in Kentucky and around the world?
The loss snaps Louisville City's unbeaten streak, which dated back to July 29.
For the sixth time in its six year existence, Louisville City FC finds itself playing for an Eastern Conference Title. They've won the last three.
The conference semifinal will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium.