Every day this week, we’re looking back at memorable moments from Louisville City FC’s 2016 season. Weigh in with your own stories on our Facebook page.
In the locker room before Louisville City FC’s July 4 game against FC Montreal, James O’Connor remembers telling his players that Greg Ranjitsingh would start in goal — but that Scott Goodwin may enter if players build an early lead.
“Thankfully they gave a strong performance, and we were able to get Scott on early for a nice sendoff,” O’Connor said.
LouCity scored both its goals in the first half before Goodwin entered in the 56th minute to the loudest ovation of the evening. He embraced Ranjitsingh, the goalkeeper who considered Goodwin a mentor before taking over the starting job. Midfielder Aodhan Quinn also handed over the captain’s armband.
Then FC Montreal put Goodwin to the test.
“I wouldn’t want to go in and do nothing, right?” he said, reflecting on a three-save effort that went down as a top moment from LouCity’s 2016 season.
It was a memorable performance for Goodwin, who had previously announced his acceptance to Harvard Medical School. The North Carolina native enrolled this fall after becoming a LouCity legend in just more than a year with the club.
In goal, he racked up 87 regular-season saves last year during LouCity’s inaugural campaign, that as a late signee. O’Connor said he observed more than 10 keepers before discovering and signing Goodwin. This year, after sent off in an April 27 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Goodwin never recovered the starting job. But he didn’t hang his head.
“He played a massive role not just playing-wise but through his leadership,” O’Connor said. “For us, it was obviously very difficult to lose someone like that halfway through the season.”
Twice, O’Connor used road trips to the Northeast as reason to bring Goodwin back.
With Ranjitsingh away in early September for a stint with Trinidad and Tobago’s national team, Goodwin rejoined the club and sat on the bench as rookie Tim Dobrowolski posted a shutout in his professional debut. Goodwin also traveled to Harrison, N.J., for LouCity’s Eastern Conference Final against the New York Red Bulls II and warmed up goalkeepers before kickoff.
“It was just great to have him around, because he brings such a positive vibe and everyone feeds off it,” Quinn said. “Even after he left for Harvard, he kept texting us and reaching out to us hoping we were doing well.”
After the final whistle July 4, LouCity’s players circled up near the supporters section at Slugger Field. They grabbed Goodwin and hoisted him in the air. Chants of “Doc-tor Scotty!” rang out.
Goodwin showed up for postgame interviews still wearing his yellow goalkeeper jersey, hanging on to his soccer career for a few more minutes.
“I definitely think that game will stick with me forever,” Goodwin said. “Mainly, it was the support of my teammates and the fans. It was almost overwhelming, but in a very positive way. It left a lasting impression and showed how tight-knit our team is.”
