TAMPA, Fla. — USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ forward Emiliano Terzaghi and goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald were named to the Cleer Audio Team of the Week for Week 26 after Saturday’s crucial 1-0 win at home over second-place Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
This marks the fourth time that Akira Fitzgerald has been honored by the league during the 2021 season after the league’s leading shot-stopper was named to the Cleer Audio Team of the Week during weeks 5, 7, and 17. Terzaghi earns his sixth recognition of the season from the league after previously being named to the Cleer Audio Team of the Week for weeks 5, 17, 19, and 25 as well as earning Cleer Audio Player of the Week honors for week 13.
Video © Kelsey Boeing Photography
“I’m pleased to make the Cleer Audio Team of the Week because we always see these individual acknowledgments as a reflection of our group,” Fitzgerald said. “The most important thing was the three points and now our full focus is on Madison. It took a full group effort over the weekend and we will continue to build on this as we give everything these last five games.”
Fitzgerald and his backline were immense as they earned their league-leading ninth clean sheet of the season against the fourth-highest scoring team in USL League One. While the visitors recorded 21 shots in the match, the Kickers’ defense limited only six on target, and the veteran keeper Fitzgerald was able to save everyone including the dramatic one-handed diving save late in the match that was effectively Chattanooga’s last dangerous chance on target.
On top of his league-leading nine clean sheets, Fitzgerald also ranks first in saves with 76 — nine more than FC Tucson’s Wallis Lapsley.
Saturday proved to be another vintage night for Terzaghi who notched his 14th goal of the season which sealed the win for the Reds and extended his lead on the 2021 Golden Boot Race.
Currently, the Argentine has two more goals than second-place Marios Lomis. Terzaghi also moves closer to the single-season goal-scoring record set by North Texas SC’s Ronaldo Damus in 2019 with 16 goals. Previously, Terzaghi surpassed Damus’ all-time goal-scoring record back in August at Greenville Triumph SC.
Terzaghi finished the night with four shots and three on target. He was also effective in circulating the ball in possession with 85.7% of his passes logged as accurate. Furthermore, he led the team with five fouls won and remained composed despite increasingly aggressive challenges from the opposition.
The Kickers return to the City Stadium pitch Wednesday, Oct. 6 to host Henny Derby-rivals Forward Madison FC. Previously, the clubs have played two matches in Madison this season. The match on Oct. 6 marks the first of two times the Kickers will host Madison in 10 days. The Kickers’ regular-season home finale against Madison is set for Oct. 16. Kickoff for both matches is set for 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for both matches are available at https://www.richmondkickers.com/tickets, and a special buy three get one free ticket promotion is available for the remaining 2021 regular season matches.
F – Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers: The Golden Boot leader was once again the difference maker on the scoresheet for Richmond, scoring the only goal in the Kickers’ 1-0 win against Chattanooga in the 52nd minute.
