Los Angeles Blues News Release - www.labluesprosoccer.com
Thursday, January 26, 2012
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Los Angeles Blues are excited to announce they have secured the services of 2011 breakout player George Davis IV for the 2012 USL PRO season, pending league approval. The skillful attacker joins the Blues after finding the net seven times and adding two assists for the Dayton Dutch Lions last season, catapulting himself into the top ten in both goals scored and points registered. 
The Blues got several up-close looks at Davis’ qualities in 2011, with Head Coach Charlie Naimo’s men facing the Dutch Lions a total of three times throughout the year. The 24-year-old had the assist on Kolby LaCrone’s equalizer in Dayton’s 1-1 draw with the visitors from Southern California on May 20, and he scored on a stunning solo effort in his side’s road clash with Los Angeles on July 15.
Beating several defenders with some nifty footwork in the 7th minute of the match, Davis worked himself into a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Oscar Dautt and put his side on the board with a precise finish from a tight angle. The goal gave the Dutch Lions a valuable away lead at Fullerton’s Titan Stadium that very nearly sufficed for all three points, if not for a last-minute Blues penalty kick converted by Cesar Rivera.
“We decided to aggressively pursue George Davis based on his performances against us last year and his overall success in USL PRO,” Charlie Naimo said. “He understands the grind of the league and found ways to be involved in a large majority of his team’s goals in 2012. He works hard and has both great pace and very good technical skills, which he really put on display in the goal he scored against us. We’re confident he’ll generate a ton of offense for us throughout the upcoming campaign.
“Perhaps the most crucial asset George brings to the table is his ability to maintain possession. I specifically remember him being pressured by several Blues players right in front of our bench and finding a way out of that jam to keep the ball. That’s really what our whole system is based on.”
While Naimo and his staff identified Davis as a good fit from the sideline, the sentiment was shared on the field by the man himself.
“One very important factor was the style of play,” the Ohio-native offered. “Fortunately I had a chance to witness that firsthand when I played against LA. They were very possession-oriented and had a lot of skillful players. I feel like that’s right down my aisle. I wanted to go to a place where I would fit in and be comfortable so I could contribute in a significant way. In addition, it really appealed to me that Coach Naimo and the club as a whole seem to have a lot of ambition. They’re looking to put a successful product on the field and help their players grow along the way.”
Davis continued, “My goal is to win the championship. We already have a lot of the tools with the players who are signed right now, so we really shouldn’t expect anything less than a great playoff run. Individually, I want to use this opportunity to keep improving my game by being around excellent coaches and players. I’ve always had a dream of playing in MLS or in a top league overseas, and the Blues continue to bring in guys who have played at that level or who have what it takes to get there. That kind of environment can only help me get better.”