The Kickers Academy Teams faced off against Atlanta Fire and Birmingham United over the weekend with both teams seeing their unbeaten streak come to an end. The U16’s started brightly on Saturday against the Fire with early pressure paying huge dividends when in the third minute the Kickers were awarded a  penalty.  As a red card was given to the Fire goalkeeper, Nate Foglesong slotted the ball home from the spot.  Goals from debutant Jacob Doyle and Matthew Epperley made it 3-0 at the half and put the game beyond reach.  The U18’s produced one of their best games of the season with an excellent first half display and although going a goal down against the run of play, goals by Connor McCarthy and Nick DeProspero gave them a 2-1 victory.

On Sunday the U16’s took control of the game with an early goal from Russell Bootwright off a James Lawrence corner kick.  Two quick goals from Birmingham United turned the game and although the U16’s had numerous chances, a late counter attack goal for United put the Kickers on the wrong end of the final score 3-1.  The U18’s suffered a similar fate with the team starting brightly only to concede two quick goals midway through the half.  Although the U18’s pressed to create several chances another individual error handed United their third goal.  The U18’s responded well with Daniel Comer bundling the ball over the line minutes later. The U18’s continued to dominate the game but the Birmingham United team defended deep and stoutly and in the end proved impossible to break down.

Saturday Sept. 27 @ Sports Backers Stadium
U16        Richmond Kickers 3 Atlanta Fire 0
U18        Richmond Kickers 2 Atlanta Fire 1

Sunday Sept. 28 @ Sports Backers Stadium
U16        Richmond Kickers 1 Birmingham  United 3
U18        Richmond Kickers 1 Birmingham United 3