Central Valley Fuego FC 1, Richmond Kickers 2
RICHMOND KICKERS | 2 | 52′ Terzaghi (penalty), 71′ Terzaghi (Belmar) |
CENTRAL VALLEY FUEGO FC | 1 | 41′ Carrera (Partida) |
FRESNO, Calif. — The Richmond Kickers (5-3-5, 20 pts) mounted a second-half comeback to earn their first-ever win, 2-1, over Central Valley Fuego FC (3-7-1, 10 pts), Saturday night.
Emiliano Terzaghi led the way with goals in the 52nd and 71st minutes to net his first brace of the season – his league-leading ninth all-time.
After exiting the dressing room down a goal at halftime and unlucky not to have one or two of their own in the first half, Richmond would not wait long for its equalizer. In the 50th minute, the Kickers forced a turnover in their own half and raced out on the break.
Terzaghi picked up the ball at midfield and placed a through ball up the left wing. Chandler O’Dwyer went to ground at the back line and crossed the ball into the box. Simon Fitch ran onto the ball and laced a shot that was deflected straight into the air. Justin Sukow headed the ball back to Fitch who played a give-and-go with Sukow, and Sukow then picked out Terzaghi with a pass as the forward ran into the box to get the ball.
Fuego’s Razak Cromwell was marking Terzaghi and took out his legs in the penalty area. The referee quickly pointed to the spot, and Terzaghi picked up the ball to take the penalty. He calmly sent the keeper the wrong way as he adjusted his hips mid-runup and sent the ball the other way and into the net.
Before Richmond found its go-ahead, Akira Fitzgerald would make a critical save to keep the scoreline level in the 64th minute.
Fuego’s Omar Lemus received the ball on the right wing in transition and earned himself a one-on-one against Fitzgerald. The veteran keeper baited Lemus before going to ground at the last second and saving Lemus’s low shot with his left shin.
Terzaghi delivered the game-winner seven minutes later.
After the ball went out of bounds level with the top of the six-yard box, Nathan Aune restarted play with a long throw-in. The ball arched its way to the top of the six-yard box where Kharlton Belmar rose above his marker and flicked the ball back to Terzaghi. The forward opened up his body and whipped his right foot around to catch the volley and send it into the top left corner of the net.
Eight minutes later, the Kickers gained a man advantage following a straight red card for Fuego substitute, Billy Forbes. The forward was running onto a through ball but found himself in no man’s land as Fitzgerald raced off his line to shut down the attack. As Fitzgerald went to ground and scooped up the loose ball, Forbes dragged his right foot and kicked Fitzgerald in the face. He would be sent off, and several minutes later, Fitzgerald would be subbed off out of an abundance of caution after the head contact.
More than 12 minutes of stoppage time was played after regulation, but the Kickers did well to close up shop and see out the result. In the ninth minute of stoppage, Gabe Cox made his professional debut when he came on in relief of Terzaghi. Cox is the second academy player to make his professional debut his season after Beckett Howell.
Richmond moves back into third place in USL League One with the win – only two points back of first-place North Carolina FC. The Roos have earned two more points through 13 matchdays compared to their Players’ Shield-winning season in 2022.
Now, the Kickers return home to their fortress at City Stadium for a three-match homestand where they have been supported by more than 5,400 fans per game which leads the league by a couple of thousand people.
On Saturday, June 17th, the Kickers host Forward Madison FC during Pride Night with Virginia Pride presented by Allianz. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers’ swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus.
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!