The quartet was instrumental in the Kickers earning six points last week to retake first place in the league standings
TAMPA, Fla. – (Monday, August 8, 2022) – USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ forward Emiliano Terzaghi was named the week 19 Player of the Week following his performances at Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC and against FC Tucson. Additionally, goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, defender Stuart Ritchie, and forward Ethan Vanacore-Decker were named to the team of the week. The quartet’s team of the week-worthy performances are presented by Legends Soccer Co.
Terzaghi joins Jonathan Bolanos and Nil Vinyals as Richmond Kickers named as USL League One Player of the Week during the 2022 season. Previously, Terzaghi has earned four placements in the league’s weekly honors after previously earning team of the week honors in weeks 1, 2, and 14. He was also nominated for April player of the month alongside Fitzgerald.
This is the first time since week 13 of the 2021 season that the two-time reigning league MVP has earned the distinction of player of the week.
“It is a very rewarding thing to be named the player of the week, Terzaghi said. “But much more rewarding is being able to help the team get two wins in a week of hard work.”
Terzaghi notched three goals across the two matches played in week 19 including two gamewinners which extended the Kickers’ current winning streak to three and propelled the team back atop the USL League One standings.
At Northern Colorado, Terzaghi’s 40-yard strike that beat the keeper of his line to earn the 1-0 victory and guarantee the Kickers won the inaugural regular-season series against the league debutants. Returning home to host FC Tucson in the final matchup of that respective regular-season series, Terzaghi found the back of the net twice to give the Kickers the lead and the insurance goal to guarantee the season sweep over Tucson.
The Argentine’s brace against Tucson also saw him move to the top of the league’s golden boot race with 11 goals scored so far. The reigning two-time golden boot winner currently shares the lead with Greenville Triumph SC’s Jacob Labovitz.
Fitzgerald returns to the team of the week after previously earning three placements in the opening five weeks of the season while Ritchie makes his second-ever team of the week following his first in week 10. Vanacore-Decker makes his first appearance on the team of the week while a member of the Kickers. He previously was named to the team of the week during week 2 while still a member of Northern Colorado.
Fitzgerald notched his fifth clean sheet of the season against Northern Colorado when the goalkeeper closed up shop for the hosts with six saves. Again, the reigning goalkeeper of the year was a wall against Tucson as he recorded seven saves while only conceding a single goal – the first goal scored by Tucson in the season series.
Currently, Fitzgerald ranks first in the league with 64 saves and is tied for third for the most clean sheets. The Kickers rank tied for second for the fewest goals conceded in the league with 24.
“I am pleased with helping our group get six points last week,” Fitzgerald said. “It has taken everyone on the roster over these past few weeks, and I’m happy to have been a part of that. We will continue working to grow and be a better group.”
Ritchie enjoyed one of his best performances as a Kicker in the match against Tucson. The first-year pro was instrumental in the Kickers’ comeback victory as he assisted the equalizer scored by Vanacore-Decker before dishing out the assist for Terzaghi’s insurance goal to kill the match off at 3-1. On the defensive end, the fullback was a force in transition, winning all of his tackles across both matches.
“I’m honored to be named to the team of the week after going on the road and getting the three points in a tough game and then coming home to City Stadium and playing in front of our fans,” Ritchie said. “I was happy to help the team with the two assists but we needed everyone for these two wins.”
Ritchie moved into third place on the team with three assists on the season – good for a share of the 11th most in the league.
Vanacore-Decker announced himself with a sensational strike in his City Stadium debut for the Kickers. Down 0-1 in the dying moments of the first half, Ritchie set up Vanacore-Decker at the top of the box who threaded a curling wormburner around the keeper and into the net.
He was also responsible for a chance created against his former club when he whipped in a cross to Terzaghi that beat the defense and was nearly converted for a score.
“It feels great to earn a spot on team of the week,” Vanacore-Decker said. “I feel like as the games have gone on since I joined the Kickers, I’ve been feeling more comfortable and understanding what Darren wants. Also, the guys welcoming me with open arms since I joined has been a big help.”
The Kickers travel to Greenville, S.C. on Saturday, August 13 to defend their table lead against the second-place Triumph. The Kickers will host an official watch party at Home Team Grill where fans will have the opportunity to win ticket and merch giveaways while cheering on the Roos.
Richmond returns home on Saturday, Aug. 27 to host reigning USL League One titleholders Union Omaha when the club celebrates the 28th anniversary of winning the 1995 US Open Cup. Tickets are available for purchase at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
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