Louisville City FC on Wednesday added to its attack for the upcoming season, announcing that former Richmond Kickers standout Brian Ownby has signed with the club for 2017.
Ownby, a University of Virginia product who started his professional career with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo, scored 3 goals and generated 3 assists last season for the Kickers. Terms of the midfielder’s contract, which is pending USSF approval, were not disclosed.
“Brian is someone who has tremendous potential,” said LouCity Coach James O’Connor. “He possesses a lot of the attributes that I think are needed to play in the MLS, and it’s just a matter of putting it together. We think we can help him with that.
“We’re excited to get Brian on board. He gives us a bit of experience and pace. He’s someone who we think can have a strong year.”
Ownby made 29 appearances for the Dynamo between stints on loan with the Kickers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds who, as with LouCity, are members of the USL’s Eastern Conference.
In 2013, Ownby helped the Kickers to a USL title, posting 7 goals and 7 assists. Later under contract with his hometown team, the Richmond native tallied 5 goals and 4 assists for the Kickers in 2015 before an injury cut his season short in June.
Ownby then faced a difficult decision this offseason.
“I’m from Virginia and grew up watching the Kickers — they’ve done a lot for me the past few years — but I think it was just time to experience something else,” Ownby said. “I’m looking forward to playing in this city in front of new fans. Based on what I saw last year, Louisville City has such a good foundation, and they were so close to winning the championship. I hope to bring my best and win a title for Louisville.”
Selected in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, Ownby followed an All-Atlantic Coast Conference college career to the pros. He totaled 21 goals and 10 assists for Virginia and was a member of the school’s 2009 NCAA Championship-winning team.
Ownby cited his strength as “my one-on-one ability to take defenders on,” adding that, “I like to make my decision and go. I think that’s hard to defend against when someone’s confident. Maybe I won’t beat them every single time, but eight out of 10 times I can make a cross or open up something for someone else on the team.”
Ownby’s signing marks the fourth new addition to LouCity’s roster joining midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams and a pair of versatile defenders/midfielders, Sean Russell and Sean Totsch. O’Connor also has under contract 13 returning players who helped LouCity to the 2016 USL Eastern Conference Final.
The USL will soon announce a schedule for the 2017 season, which opens the weekend of March 24-26. Season tickets and flex packages are now on sale at www.loucity.com/tickets, or by calling (502) 384-8799, extension 3.
