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City FC’s Patience Pays Dividends

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 04/09/17, 9:15AM EDT

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Louisville picks up strong road win vs. Kickers, stays unbeaten


Photo courtesy of Jessica Hendricks / Richmond Kickers

The Richmond Kickers dropped back heavy numbers during Saturday’s match against Eastern Conference rival Louisville City FC at City Stadium. In the run of play, the Kickers did their job in front of a crowd of 7,603.

Louisville, however, found just enough to draw a crucial penalty kick, and former Richmond staple George Davis IV converted for City FC’s 1-0 win.

“They were hard to break down,” Davis said. “They’re very organized. Hats off to them for that. I thought the mentality of the guys in our locker room was good, and we kept banging and we tried to do what we’re good at and stick to what we wanted to do.”

Davis scored his second goal of the season and now has 40 for his USL career.

Davis’ role has shifted to a No. 10 role, and both Davis and Head Coach James O’Connor are mindful that the veteran can handle that type of adjustment in the long run.

“I’ve played it before, but usually I play out wide,” Davis said. “I just want to play. Wherever I can help the team, get on the ball and create chances and score goals, that’s what I want to do. James has given me the opportunity to play and I’m hoping to make the most of it and keep doing what I have to do.”

“George is someone I have tremendous respect for,” O’Connor said. “I think he’s got great game understanding, great talent and fantastic work rate. If you look at the work rate of George and the front guys, their movement and their tracking back as well, I think that was really impressive. George is someone we know who’s got goals in him. He’s shown that throughout his career.”

Louisville continues to stay unbeaten this season, moving to 2-0-1 (7 points), and prepares for a challenging test against the Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies (3-0-0, 9 points) next Saturday at Slugger Field.

Following Saturday’s win, O’Connor admits there were some spells where his players’ patience was tested, but overall it was a poised performance as City FC looks to extend its two-game winning streak.

“I thought we had a lot of possession and we showed a lot of patience,” O’Connor said following the win in Richmond. “I think at times we needed to perhaps show a little bit more game understanding, but it’s really difficult when you play against that formation. A great credit to the guys – really, really pleased.”