LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the first native of Louisville to sign with Louisville City FC, Richard Ballard’s addition to his home team’s squad after a stellar career at Indiana University was a special moment for the player and the club.

On Wednesday, when Ballard scored his first USL goal for City – the game-winner in a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence in front of a crowd of 7,403 fans at Slugger Field – that feeling was just amplified.

“It was beautiful, man,” said Ballard. “It felt like everything I’ve worked for paid off. … It’s just that much sweeter to do it in front of my hometown and celebrate with my city.”

Ballard first competitive goal for City had come last month, when he was among the scorers in Louisville’s 9-0 demolition of the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. On Wednesday night, his finish highlighted what he’s brought to City in his rookie season, with a cleanly struck first-time finish capping a great move down the right by City’s attack.

“Delighted for Richard,” said Louisville Head Coach James O’Connor. “He’s someone we’ve got great belief in and he’s taken on board some of the things we’ve spoken about. He’s such a threat with his pace. He really is. He’s got tremendous, tremendous pace. I’m really pleased for him, because he’s worked really hard, and he’s a great kid. So again, for him to score at home and sure his family is here, it’s really great for him.”

RELATED: Louisville Stands Tall Late, Downs Charlotte

Ballard’s goal stood up as the winner thanks in part to another standout display by Greg Ranjitsingh in the Louisville net. While the Independence had been reduced to 10 men when Ashani Fairclough was sent off for his second yellow card five minutes into the second half, the introduction of Alex and Enzo Martinez as substitutes midway through the second half sparked Charlotte’s attack. Ranjitsingh had to produce a good low save to deny Enzo Martinez, and another off a free kick by Donnie Smith that seemed pegged for the bottom-left corner of the net inside the final 10 minutes.

Ranjitsingh’s return from injury left O’Connor with an admittedly tough decision given the manner Tim Dobrowolski had played in his stead. Ranjitsingh’s three-save shutout illustrated the quality both players bring to Louisville’s net when called upon.

“For me, we’ve got the two best goalkeepers in the USL,” said O’Connor. “I think both of those boys — my hope is for both of the ‘keepers is in the next two years both of them will have left and gone on to play in the MLS, because I think both of them are that good.”

The night, though, belonged to Ballard. A standout at DuPont Manual High School growing up, where he was an All-State selection before joining the Hoosiers, his first goal in front of his hometown fans was something to cherish as the side took a big step toward the top of the Eastern Conference.

“It’s a big win mid-week, and you want to win in front of your front of your fans and at home always,” said Ballard. “It’s a big win.”