RICHMOND, Va. — It’s typically a team’s striker who takes a penalty kick, but on Saturday forward Luke Spencer yielded to George Davis IV late in a scoreless game against the Richmond Kickers. Coach James O’Connor believes in letting players decide who takes the shot, and Davis IV is brimming with confidence — for good reason, too.
The senior-most member of LouCity’s team knocked in a game-winner in the 81st minute to mark his 40th career United Soccer League goal, tied for third on the USL’s all-time list.
“George is someone who we know has goals in him,” O’Connor said. “He’s shown throughout his career he’s got tremendous ability to run on people and score goals.”
Now he’s showing it in a different position.
Davis IV has shifted from the wing in the attacking midfield to the 10 spot, playing just behind the lone striker. In addition to his goal Saturday, the University of Kentucky graduate scored another last week against Orlando City B and assisted Cameron Lancaster on a strike that went up for USL Goal of the Week voting.
Davis IV, 29, has worked in the middle of the field before this year having also suited up for former USL sides Dayton Dutch Lions, Los Angeles Blues and Orlando City SC in addition to the Kickers. Another former Richmond midfielder, Brian Ownby, moved to LouCity this season and occupies Davis IV’s former spot on the left wing.
“I just want to play,” Davis IV said. “Wherever I can help the team — get on the ball, create chances and score goals — that’s what I want to do. James has given me the opportunity to play in the hole, and hopefully I’ll make the most of it.”
University of Louisville product Paolo DelPiccolo wears the captain’s armband for LouCity in the holding midfield, but Davis IV is among a group of players O’Connor considers leaders.
“George is someone I have tremendous respect for,” the coach said. “He has great game understanding, great intelligence and fantastic worth ethic.”
That, O’Connor knew when he moved Davis IV to a new spot. O’Connor continues to learn about others on his team, which featured six newcomers in its starting lineup Saturday.
LouCity improved its record to 2-0-1. The club’s seven points are good for second on the Eastern Conference table behind only the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who have won all three of their games and visit Louisville on Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff between USL powers.
LouCity’s players will have just a short drive to Slugger Field on game day. O’Connor noted how his club overcame significant travel delays on its way to Richmond before defeating the Kickers.
“We’ve just been really pleased with our mentality, especially after the issue we had yesterday with the travel and then the mindset and how strong it was today,” O’Connor said. “It was top class — exactly what we wanted.”
