CINCINNATI — Brian Ownby has speed enough to run from box to box with the ball at his feet, something the veteran midfielder proved more than once in Louisville City FC’s first five games. But what he’s learned so far with LouCity is, attacking doesn’t always have to be so tiring.
“It’s a high press, we win the ball, and we’re already up the field,” Ownby said. “It’s nice, especially with a good group that all has a great understanding of the system.”
Ownby has fared well at LouCity, which plays much different style than his former Richmond Kickers, who prefer to sit back and run on the counter. Now, he’s with a club looking to win possession back in an opponent’s half of the field and work from there.
The midfielder’s understanding paid off Saturday when Ownby rattled in LouCity’s lone goal in a 1-1 draw at FC Cincinnati. Defender Kyle Smith slid a one-touch pass through to Ownby, who dribbled to the center of the field and finished with his left foot.
“Fantastic goal from Brian,” said coach James O’Connor. “Great quality. Great play. I think it was the best little bit of quality we had on the night.”
“I was kind of in the zone,” Ownby added. “Once I got some space, I just hit it, and it worked out. It was nice to get my first goal for the club.”
Ownby’s other standout moment Saturday came in the 62nd minute. Again on a pass from Smith, he played the ball around a defender, ran up to the box and delivered a dangerous cross handled by FC Cincinnati’s goalkeeper.
The 26-year-old out of the University of Virginia leads LouCity in crosses attempted at 14, and he’s tied for second on the team with nine shots. Five of those have landed on target.
Ownby joked of his teammates, “I think they’re finally understanding that I have some pace and can run.”
Plenty of evidence supports him.
Last weekend against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ownby recovered a ball near his own goal and sprinted up the right side. He dribbled to within close range of the Rowdies box and, with no more space, turned and passed. One-hundred yards later, LouCity had possession in a dangerous spot.
Getting a goal was another hurdle. Finally, Ownby checked off that box in a LouCity uniform.
“You try not to think about it after a few games go by, because you just want to get out there and win,” he said. “That’s what comes first, is the team winning. But obviously that can be there in your head.”
LouCity will head into the fifth week of the season a point off the Charleston Battery for first place in the USL Eastern Conference. The boys in purple are the final unbeaten club in their conference and one of three in the 30-team league. They next host Toronto FC II at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
