Recap: Kickers Honor Bulow, Claim Victory Over Tormenta

RICHMOND, Va. — (Saturday, May 8, 2021) — The Richmond Kickers (2-2-0) took a 2-0 win at City Stadium Saturday night over South Georgia Tormenta FC (1-3-0). Emiliano Terzaghi scored his first two goals of the season. Akira Fitzgerald picked up his second clean sheet of the season behind two saves. 

A team defensive effort shut down a shot from Adrian Billhardt in the 10th minute. Ricardo Gomez found Billhardt at the top of the box. After controlling the ball, he looked for a shot that Akira Fitzgerald knocked down. Jalen Crisler backed him up to clear the ball from danger. 

The Kickers were denied from finding an opener in the 24th minute. Zaca Moran picked out Ivan Magalhães at the back post for a header on frame. Sergi Nus managed to be in the right place to make the block as the ball took a bounce off the post. Jonathan Bolanos looked for another chance as his shot went wide. 

A massive save from Fitzgerald kept Ricardo Gomez off the score sheet. A free kick for Tormenta from about 25 yards out gave the visitors a set piece opportunity. Gomez stepped up and looked to sneak his shot inside the post. The veteran Kickers keeper was there to make the save. 

Five minutes before halftime, Victor Falck nearly came up with a go-ahead goal. Matt Bolduc slid in to save the ball going out over the end line and got a cross off. Falck lept to get a head on the ball, with his shot going just over the net. 

Nil Vinyals looked to score against his former club in the 66th minute. Moran played a corner short for Vinyals. He found space at the edge of the box, megging his defender as the Tormenta keeper came away with the save. 

A goal line clearance kept Tormenta from sneaking in a goal in the 73rd minute. Micaletto slipped into the box and played a low, driven shot. Fitzgerald got a block on the shot but the ball rolled loose after he collided with Crisler. The Richmond keeper leapt to grab the ball before it rolled over the line. 

The reigning USL League One MVP and Golden Boot winner netted his first goal of the season in the 80th minute. Terzaghi received the ball in the middle of the field and turned to find Oalex Anderson with space up the left wing. He worked himself past his defender to get the ball back to Terzaghi. The Argentine turned around his defender and chipped his shot over the keeper and into the back of the net. 

Six minutes later, a penalty to Richmond would double the home side lead. Anderson continued his constant pressure as he broke into the box. Curtis Thorn came in with a late tackle, drawing the penalty for the Kickers. Terzaghi went for his shot but it was saved by Jara. The referee deemed the Tormenta keeper came off his line, forcing the kick to be retaken. Terzaghi powered his second attempt past the keeper to complete his brace. 

The Kickers get a break in the schedule before returning to action on Saturday, May 22 to host league newcomers and former USL Championship rivals North Carolina FC at City Stadium. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com/Tickets.