Kickers Settle for Draw in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. — (Saturday, September 21, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (8-12-5) battled FC Tucson (8-9-8) to a scoreless draw Saturday night at Kino North Stadium. Akira Fitzgerald earned his eighth shutout of the season behind five saves. 

Tucson threatened 17 minutes into the match, narrowly missing. Jose Carlos Terron whipped in a cross from the left side, connecting with Devyn Jambga at the far post. He redirected the ball with a header towards goal, putting it just high and wide of the frame. 

Two minutes later, Tucson had a shot saved by Akira Fitzgerald. The pair that combined on the first attempt reversed the play with Jambga making a run up the right wing. He laid the ball off for Terron making a run up the center of the field. He took a touch and tried to put it to the right of Akira Fitzgerald, but the Richmond keeper read the shot correctly, coming up with the save.

Akira Fitzgerald continued to stay busy, making a massive save in the 22nd minute. Terron played the ball quickly to his right for Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu. He took a touch and launched a shot that Fitzgerald needed to parry away. 

The Kickers had a shot blocked in the 31st minute. Wahab Ackwei won the ball off a header and started a run up the pitch. He continued his run, getting the ball back from Eli Lockaby. Before he reached the top of the box, Ackwei went to his right for Ryley Kraft. He tried the quick shot only to have it blocked away by Tucson. 

Joe Gallardo looked to sneak in a shot in the 50th minute. Taking a free kick quickly, Gallardo sent the ball ahead for Jackson. With four defenders on him quickly, Jackson played the ball wide for Eli Lockaby. AFaking the cross, Lockaby cut the ball back to Gallardo. He elected to go for the shot that skipped just wide of the goal. 

Lightning quick reflexes denied Tucson from getting on the board in the 54th minute. Luke Hauswirth picked up control of the ball up the right flank. Taking the space, he let a shot rip, Akira Fitzgerald reacted quickly enough to punch the ball away. 

The woodwork stood in the way of Joe Gallardo finding the back of the net in the 56th minute. Gallardo was brought down just outside the top of the Tucson box, setting up a free kick chance. He stood over the free kick, going for the upper 90 as his shot pinged off the crossbar. 

Charles Boateng made an immediate impact coming off the bench, forcing a save from the Tucson keeper in the 74th minute. Matt Bolduc cut across the field and sent the ball ahead for Daniel Jackson. The forward took a touch to get it to Boateng. He went for the quick shot that Carlos Merancio needed to stop. 

Tucson were reduced to ten men in the 75th minute. Kyle Venter brought down Charles Boateng just outside the box. The referee showed Venter his second yellow card to send him off. Scott Thomsen took the ensuing free kick, sneaking a low shot towards the far post that Merancio saved. 

The Kickers would also see red in the 85th minute with Conor Shanosky receiving a straight red card. Romane Howell got on a break away run. Shanosky came over for the tackle. With him being the last defender, the referee went for the red card. 

Richmond would see red again two minutes later. Wahab Ackwei was issued his second yellow card for an off the ball foul, having the Kickers finish the match off with nine players.

Heading into stoppage time, the Kickers held strong with a massive defensive display to preserve the road shutout.

The Kickers are back on the road next Saturday night, making their second trip to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. This match will also be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming on ESPN+. Keep up to date with the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com.