MATCH INFORMATION
Charlotte Independence (9-3-5) vs Richmond Kickers (3-10-6)
2017 USL Regular Season
DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
KICKOFF: 7:00 p.m.
STADIUM: Sportsplex at Matthews, Matthews, NC
ALL-TIME SERIES: 2-4-2
AT CHARLOTTE: 0-3-1
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: None
ONLINE: USL Match Center
HASHTAG: #CLTvRIC
TWITTER: @RichmondKickers and @CLTIndependence
RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, July 25, 2017) – The Richmond Kickers (3-10-6) look to build on their victory from Saturday as they travel to take on the Charlotte Independence (9-3-5) Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. The match can be viewed online on the USL Match Center live from the Sportsplex at Matthews.
The Kickers and Independence met in Richmond back on June 24, where the visitors walked away with a 2-0 victory at City Stadium. Enzo Martinez converted a penalty kick just before the end of the first half. Joel Johnson set up Martinez for the second goal in the 57th minute. The Kickers trail in the series with a record of 2-4-2. The two clubs will meet one more time September 2 at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
HIGHLIGHTS presented by
Richmond has a quick turnaround following a 3-2 victory over Bethlehem Steel FC Saturday night at City Stadium. Aaron Jones put Steel FC up in the 39th minute from a free kick. Just 30 seconds into the second half, Oliver Minatel scored from 30 yards out as Luiz Fernando set up the chance. Only a minute later and Fernando put away a cross from D.C. United loanee Jalen Robinson. Bethlehem tied the game up with 20 minutes to go, after two goals were called back for offside on Richmond. Samuel Asante became the hero for the Kickers, scoring the game winner in the 87th minute.
The Independence are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak, most recently coming off a 1-1 draw on the road at the Harrisburg City Islanders July 18. Ropapa Mensah gave the home team the lead late into first half stoppage time. Charlotte’s leading goal scorer Jorge Herrera added to his tally in the 51st minute to pull the Independence level and continue their unbeaten streak.
The Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday to host Saint Louis FC and the annual Craft Beer Fest. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music from the Folly, RVA food trucks, local breweries and over 30 craft beers on tap. Then the Kickers take the field against Saint Louis FC at 7:00 p.m. This match will be available live on the WTVR CBS 6.3 subchannel (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and the USL Match Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Forward Luiz Fernando (#71) had a goal and an assist in last Saturday’s victory over Bethlehem Steel FC. He has two goals and one assist this season in 15 appearances. Fernando signed with the Kickers before the start of the 2016 season where he notched two goals and added an assist in 24 games. Forward Oliver Minatel (#9) scored his first goal for Richmond just 30 seconds into the start of the second half. The Brazilian/German forward joined the Kickers in the off season after making nine appearances for Puerto Rico FC in 2016 where scored on one occasion. The only Kickers player to play in every minute this season, defender Mallan Roberts (#15) has made 19 appearances, and helping the team to three clean sheets this season. Capped by the Canadian National Team, Roberts spent the 2016 season on loan to Ottawa Fury FC, playing in 22 games.
Charlotte: Midfielder Enzo Martinez (#19) scored the two goals as the Independence claimed all three points in the previous meeting between the two clubs. Martinez has nine goals in 14 games for Charlotte. Leading Charlotte in scoring, midfielder Jorge Herrera (#10) has scored on 11 occasions in 16 appearances. Herrera joined the Independence in 2015 after two successful stints with the Charlotte Eagles. Playing every minute for the Independence, goalkeeper Cody Mizell (#1) has made 48 saves on 69 shots faced over 17 appearances. Signing his first professional contract after three seasons with Clemson University, Mizell saw time with the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Tampa Bay Rowdies before a season in Iceland, all prior to signing in Charlotte in 2016.
