RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers put together a confident offensive performance, claiming a 3-2 win over One Knoxville SC on Saturday at City Stadium. Richmond scored two goals in the opening five minutes of play to propel them to three points at home.
Richmond wasted no time making an impact, with Dakota Barnathan volleying home in the second minute before Lucca Dourado added a spectacular long-range finish in the fifth. Knoxville responded with goals from Denis Krioutchenkov and Mikkel Goling from the penalty spot to bring the match level before halftime. The Kickers continued to create opportunities in the final third culminating in a game-winning score from Tyler Freeman to put Richmond back ahead, 3-2, in the 72nd minute.
One Knoxville was led by Mikel Goling who scored the visiting side’s equalizer.
Breaking Down The Action
- Dakota Barnathan corralled a ball off a contested header and sent a one-time volley into the bottom left corner of the net in the second minute, 1-0.
- Lucca Dourado unleashed a long-range strike from outside the box in the fifth minute, sending a ball into the top right corner of the net to double Richmond’s lead, 2-0.
- One Knoxville earned a free kick outside the box and sent a header toward goal in the tenth minute, but Yann Fillion comfortably snuffed out the attempt.
- No. 9 Denis Krioutchenkov pulled one back for Knoxville in the 28th minute, 2-1.
- Zahir Vazquez responded with a long-range effort from outside the box a minute later, but it sailed just outside the right post.
- Richmond earned a corner, and Dourado attempted a volley that sailed just wide of the net in the 31st minute.
- No. 17 Mikkel Goling converted from the penalty spot to level the match in the 38th minute, 2-2.
- The score was an even 2-2 at halftime.
- Tyler Freeman entered for Dourado at halftime.
- Knoxville broke toward the box in the 54th minute, but Fillion stepped up and dove down to block the attempt with his body.
- Daniel Moore replaced Harold Hanson in the 70th minute.
- Nils Seufert sent a ball toward goal in the 72nd minute, and after the goalkeeper made the initial stop, Vazquez collected the rebound before Freeman finished it with his chest, 3-2.
- Landon Johnson entered for Vazquez in the 78th minute.
- Sean Vinberg replaced Ali Sasankhah in the 85th minute.
- Knoxville created a late chance in stoppage, but Richmond’s defense held firm to preserve the lead.
- The final whistle blew with a score of 3-2 in favor of the Kickers.
From Coach Ownby:
On the performance tonight:
“I’m happy with the win. Two really good goals to start the game, that’s the way I’ve been wanting us to start. It was great to see that. Obviously them getting back in the game, but earlier in the year that might’ve gone in the other direction with that second half. These guys bought in, fought together and got that third goal so I’m super proud of the resiliency of the group.”
Notable Numbers
- 1: Dakota Barnathan scored his first goal of the 2026 season.
- 1: Lucca Dourado scored his first goal for the Kickers since May 30, 2026 vs. Athletic Club Boise.
- 2: Tyler Freeman scored his second goal of the season with Richmond.
- 4: Dourado recorded his 4th goal of the season across all competitions.
- 19: Richmond tallied 19 shots on the night including seven on target.
- 35: Saturday marked Richmond’s 35th match of the season across all competitions and 28th in USL1 play.
- 34: 2026 marks the Kickers’ 34th continuously operating season.
- 99: Yann Fillion currently ranks second in USL1 with 99 saves on the season.
Series History
- With the result, the Richmond Kickers now hold a 4-2-3 record against One Knoxville SC all-time.
- The two clubs last faced each other on March 27, 2026, with One Knoxville claiming a 1-0 victory at Covenant Health Park.
Up Next
- Richmond begins a two-match road trip against FC Naples on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 p.m. EST. The match will be broadcast on CBS 6.2 and ESPN+ with live updates and links available at richmondkickers.com or @RichmondKickers on X (Twitter).
