Match Preview: Kickers Make First Playoff Appearance Since 2016, Rematch At FC Tucson in USL League One Quarterfinals

With the Kickers playing in Tucson last weekend, the Reds stayed in the desert to use the week to acclimate and prepare for the rematch at FC Tucson.

 

Last week’s match began with an early attack on goal from the Reds. Matt Bolduc was freed up on the right wing and made a run to the goalline, crossed the ball, and Jonathan Bolanos broke into space and side-footed the cross into the goal to give Richmond an early lead in the 22nd minute. 

 

FC Tucson answered back moments later with a goal by Max Schenfeld in the 24th minute. With the game level at 1-1 and the first half winding down, Tucson’s Derri Corfe dribbled into space at the top of the Richmond box and found space to let a shot off. The shut curled away from Akira Fitzgerald into the far post and gave FC Tucson the go-ahead goal in the 42nd minute, just before halftime. 

 

The Reds pushed for an equalizer right out of the gate in the second half. Emiliano Terzaghi pressed the Tucson defense hard and was free on goal against Wallis Lapsley, Terzaghi pushed the ball to the side and Lapsley took Terzaghi down to earn him a penalty. Terzaghi placed the ball on the spot and drilled the penalty into the net, equalizing for the Reds, 2-2.

 

FC Tucson earned a corner kick in the 51st minute which Charlie Dennis delivered into the center of the box for Luca Mastrantonio to head into the goal, giving FC Tucson the lead again, 3-2. Shak Adams would go on to score the insurance goal for FC Tucson later in the 58th minute.

 

The result from the first quarterfinal matchup of the day between third-seeded Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and sixth-seeded North Texas SC will be determined before the beginning of the Kickers’ match. If the Reds advance along with Chattanooga, then the Kickers will play at first-seeded Union Omaha next Saturday. If the Reds advance along with North Texas, the Kickers will play at second-seeded Greenville Triumph SC.

 

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