TAMPA, Fla. — Richmond Kickers’ forward Emiliano Terzaghi was named the Cleer Audio Player of the Week by USL League One, Monday, following Terzaghi’s two goals and assist of the match-winner in the Kickers’ 3-2 victory over North Texas SC.
“I am very happy for the recognition, but even more for getting a victory that we needed and being able to give it to the fans in our house,” Terzaghi said.
The reigning league MVP was instrumental in orchestrating the Reds’ come-from-behind victory at City Stadium, Saturday night. After Richmond conceded the opening goal, the home side struck back quickly thanks to the enterprising play from the attack. Victor Falck launched a long-range effort that could only be deflected by the North Texas keeper. Juan Pablo Monticelli quickly gathered the rebound and recycled it into the mixer. Terzaghi got in front of his defender but at an angle where the only option was the spectacular. So the Argentine kicked his leg out and guided the ball into the net with the back of his heel.
North Texas would find a second goal before the end of the first half, but Terzaghi would deliver a second equalizer shortly after the beginning of the second half. The forward made a dangerous run into the North Texas penalty area during the buildup and was fouled. The referee pointed to the spot, and Terzaghi cooly walked over to take the penalty kick. The veteran used a methodical approach to send the keeper the wrong way while Terzaghi calmly guided the ball into the bottom left corner.
Soon after, Terzaghi would gather a loose ball in the opposition half and quickly flicked the ball to Jonathan Bolanos who raced up the left-wing. The forward used his left foot to hit a floating ball near the backline that drifted over the keeper’s head and clanged off the right post and into the back of the net. Bolano’s effort off the Terzaghi assist would prove to be the match-winner as the Kickers saw out the remainder of the match with its 3-2 lead intact.
“I am happy for Emiliano,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He has had a lot going on in his life this year and to find a couple goals and lead our team to a comeback win at home was great. Recognition for hard work is always good and I know he shares the shout with his teammates.”
Terzaghi finished the match with three-goal contributions and it was the second time this season that he scored two goals in a match — the first time coming against South Georgia Tormenta FC in early May. On top of affecting the scoreline, Terzaghi led the Reds with four (4) key passes, 14 of his 20 total passes coming in the opposition half along with 14 total good passes or crosses across the pitch. He also led the team with two (2) fouls won including the incident that led to the penalty given.
Furthermore, Terzaghi currently ranks third in the league with six (6) goals scored and seventh in the league with two (2) assists.
This marks the first time Terzaghi was named Cleer Audio Player of the Week by USL League One during the 2021 season. Terzaghi previously was named to the league’s team of the week for his efforts during the fifth match week. Terzaghi joins Monticelli and Nil Vinyals as the Kickers’ players that have earned player of the week honors this season.
The Kickers will enjoy an off weekend before returning to City Stadium on Saturday, July 17 to host Fort Lauderdale CF — the affiliate club to the MLS’ Inter Miami CF. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets for that match are available at https://www.richmondkickers.com/tickets.
F – Mark Hernandez, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: In a season where Chattanooga has seemed to score late in every one of its matches, it was Hernandez’s turn to play the hero on Saturday. His equalizer in second-half stoppage time picked up what could be an all-important road point for the Red Wolves come the end of the season.
