Davis IV Earns First Career Hat Trick in 3-0 Richmond Win over Charlotte
Published on April 18, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - A first career hat trick by Richmond's George Davis IV and goalkeeper Ryan Taylor's first career clean sheet were two milestones set during the Kickers' 3-0 win over new USL club Charlotte Independence Saturday night at City Stadium.
Both Taylor and Charlotte netminder John Berner were strong for their respective clubs, making key saves throughout the first half and preventing either side from getting the opening goal of the night
Kickers defender William Yomby also found himself in quality defensive positions throughout the first half, including a moment during the closing stages of the first half when Richmond goalkeeper Taylor was beat but Yomby was able to stretch out and redirect a Charlotte attempt away from goal and out of play, keeping the game scoreless.
A foul on Charlotte inside their 18-yard box set up an opportunity for Richmond on a penalty shot in the 43rd minute. Kickers forward Davis IV was called to take the shot, which he fired into the upper right corner of the net, beating Berner and allowing Richmond to carry a 1-0 lead into the locker room at the end of the first half.
Less than ten minutes into the start of the second half, Davis was able to find the back of the net of the second time Saturday night, thanks to a well placed pass from Kickers midfielder Brian Ownby in the 54th minute.
Ownby was able to find a rushing Davis IV on the on the right wing, who was able to shoot a powerful first-time shot into the back of net, extending Richmond's lead to two.
The offensive push continued for Richmond through the second stanza of the match as another foul on the Independence inside their penalty box created another penalty kick opportunity for the Kickers, which was delegated to Davis IV and converted, pushing Richmond's lead to three over Charlotte.
This is Davis' first hat trick in his professional career and the first hat trick for a player in a Kickers uniform since May 11, 2013, when former Richmond forward Joseph Ngwenya scored three goals in a match against former USL team Antigua Barracuda FC.
While Richmond's offense was part of the story, the goalkeeping of Ryan Taylor kept Charlotte from getting on the board for the full 90 minutes, making ten saves and earning his first career clean sheet.
Over the past two matches at home, Richmond's forwards have tallied six goals while the goalkeeping of Taylor and D.C. United Loanee Travis Worra have allowed the Kickers to go 180 minutes without an opposing goal against, giving Richmond a record of 2-0-2 and a total of eight points.
The Kickers will begin a two-game road trip, where they will face off against new USL clubs New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday April 22 and FC Montreal on Saturday April 25.
Richmond returns to City Stadium on Saturday May 2 at 7:00 p.m. as they take on the Charleston Battery. Gates for the match open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.
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