Fitzgerald led the league in saves while Terzaghi is tied for the league lead in goals scored
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Wednesday that Richmond Kickers’ goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald and forward Emiliano Terzaghi were nominated for the league’s player of the month award for April.
The reigning league MVP and golden boot winner and reigning goalkeeper of the year were crucial for a Kickers’ side that earned a 2-1-1 record and sit atop the USL League One Standings after the first month.
Terzaghi scored the first goal of the league season as the Kickers went on to rout FC Tucson 4-0 on opening day before scoring the equalizer against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC a week later. He finished the month off with the opening goal in the Kickers’ 2-1 win on the road at Charlotte Independence.
Fitzgerald leads the league with 20 saves across four matches. A brick wall between the pipes, the veteran has 10 more saves to his name compared to the second-ranked goalkeeper, and Fitzgerald has earned one clean sheet so far this season.
Both players have been fixtures in the league’s weekly honors with Fitzgerald and Terzaghi both making the team of the week in weeks 1 and 2. Fitzgerald earned a third team of the week honor during week 5.
The Kickers prepare to host Forward Madison on May 7. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Then, the Kickers will host Charlotte FC on Wednesday, May 11 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 32 with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets for both matches are on sale now at richmondkickers.com/tickets. Season ticket holders save extra on tickets, and more information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.
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Official Summary from USL League One:
Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: A catalyst for Richmond’s strong start to the season, Fitzgerald recorded 20 saves on 23 shots faced and maintained an 87 save percentage. The fourth-year Kicker averaged five saves per 90 minutes in the opening month of the season.
Miguel Ibarra, Charlotte Independence: The veteran midfielder has guided the Independence to an exciting first month in League One. Completing 92% of his passes, Ibarra maintained a league-high percentage of passes completed above his expected completion percentage and tacked on a pair of assists and one goal.
Tresor Mbuyu, Charlotte Independence: One of the longest tenured Jacks still in Charlotte, Mbuyu is enjoying his best professional season with only one month gone. The Congolese forward has already attained a career-high in goals scored in a season with three and has added an assist to lead the league in goals and assists per 90 minutes at 1.45.
Irvin Parra, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC: After spending five years in the USL Championship, Parra is seeing early-season success with expansion side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. The 28-year-old forward has already recorded two goals and dished out seven key passes.Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers: The league’s all-time leading scorer is scoring early and often, naturally. Terzaghi’s three scores are tied for the league lead, and the Argentine forward has led the Kickers to the top of the table early in the campaign. Richmond is unbeaten in matches in which the 29-year-old scores.
Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers: The league’s all-time leading scorer is scoring early and often, naturally. Terzaghi’s three scores are tied for the league lead, and the Argentine forward has led the Kickers to the top of the table early in the campaign. Richmond is unbeaten in matches in which the 29-year-old scores.