ORLANDO, Fla. – George Davis IV had a goal and assist as Louisville City FC took its first win of the 2017 USL season with a 3-1 victory against Orlando City B at Orlando City Stadium on Thursday night. Louisville had already threatened on a header by Tarek Morad early, but Cameron Lancaster scored the club’s first goal of the season with a precise finish from 25 yards as the visitors capitalized on a turnover in the 11th minute. Louisville had chances to add to its lead, but Orlando got back on level terms three minutes before halftime when a cross by Austin Martz was turned into his own goal by Morad.  Louisville regained the lead 12 minutes into the second half, though, when Richard Ballard cut into the right side of the penalty area and set up Davis IV, who shot home low from 10 yards. Orlando’s Albert Dikwa forced a good save on the hour-mark from Louisville goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski, but Louisville sealed the victory when Luke Spencer added a third with 14 minutes to go.

Scoring: 
11’ – LOU – Cameron Lancaster (George Davis IV)
42’ – ORL – Own Goal (Tarek Morad)
57’ – LOU – George Davis IV (Richard Ballard)
76’ – LOU – Luke Spencer (Niall McCabe)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. As in its first game of the season, Louisville got out to a strong start as it pressured Orlando into mistakes and carried the majority of the play. In contrast to its clash with Saint Louis, however, the Louisville did a far better job turning the pressure into opportunities, one of which saw Cameron Lancaster strike a beautiful finish in the 11th minute. Louisville could have had a larger wider lead at halftime if not for three good saves by Orlando’s Earl Edwards Jr., but Head Coach James O’Connor was likely very happy with the improved sharpness around the 18-yard-area his side showed.

• 2. Orlando as a side continued to show signs that it’s still finding its way in terms of chemistry. There were bright moments, but overall the OCB was unable to find enough penetration into Louisville’s penalty area. Gifted an own goal right before halftime, Orlando made an aggressive move in bringing on Dikwa Albert, and it almost paid off when his flicked header forced a good save by Louisville goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski, but it was only the first shot on goal from inside the penalty area the hosts managed of two for the contest overall.

• 3. After the early departure on Saturday of goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh, O’Connor saw another potential injury arrive in the first half against Orlando as Cameron Lancaster was forced out of the game in the 28th minute and replaced by Luke Spencer. Mark-Anthony Kaye will be back and available for Louisville’s next contest in Richmond on April 8, and Spencer was rewarded for a solid outing with the side's third goal, but Louisville’s depth could get tested early this season if Lancaster is out for any length of time.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

George Davis IV, Louisville City FC – Davis connected play well much of the night, completing 83 percent of his passes, and notched a goal and assist to lead Louisville to its first victory of the season.

Upcoming Games:
Orlando City B vs. Toronto FC II – April 4, 7:30 p.m. ET, Orlando City Stadium
Louisville City FC at Richmond Kickers – April 8, 5 p.m. ET, City Stadium