Competition: USL League One
Date: June 7, 2025
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: City Stadium, Richmond, Va.
Forecast: 82/66F, Cloudy
Promotion: Youth Sports Night
Broadcast TV: CBS 6.3. ESPN+
Inaugural Face Off: The Richmond Kickers (3-4-4, 13 pts) are scheduled to host USL League One opponent Texoma FC on Saturday, June 7, for a 7 p.m. kickoff as the club hosts Youth Sports Night presented by the YMCA. Hailing from Sherman, Texas, Texoma FC currently sits tenth in the USL League One standings with a 2-5-2 record. One of the newest clubs in the league, competing in their first season after being added as an expansion franchise, has strung together back-to-back wins leading up to Saturday’s match, taking down Union Omaha and Greenville Triumph SC. This will be the first time that these sides have shared the pitch, serving as a key matchup as both the Kickers and Texoma FC look to continue their climbs toward mid-season form.
Saturday’s Close Contest: Saturday’s second-round Jagermeister Cup pairing between the Kickers and NCFC kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew. The Kickers, led by strong performances from their back line and goalkeeper, Pablo Jara, held the USL Championship side off the scoreboard until the 82nd minute. Controlling most of the match, the Kickers responded to NCFC’s offensive pressure and set up their playmakers, Darwin Espinal and Richmond Kickers Player of the Match James Vaughan, to create multiple scoring opportunities. Jara put on a clinic in goal, shutting down multiple NCFC attacks and registering numerous one-on-one saves. The Kickers return to Jagermeister Cup action on June 28, 2025, to take on Lexington SC.
Dominating Defense: Richmond defenders Beckett Howell, Klaidi Cela, Griffin Garnett, and Simon Fitch held down the Kickers’ last line of defense on Saturday; holding the high-powered USL Championship side to one goal. NCFC’s dynamic offense currently sits in the top six in goals and conversion rate amongst USL Championship teams. In Howell’s five appearances this season, he has won 15 duels and 8 tackles. Cela, who leads the squad with 42 clears, has registered 10 aerial duel wins, four blocks, and six interceptions in only six appearances. Garnett, in his total eight appearances, has tallied four blocks to go alongside 24 duel wins and seven interceptions. In his 11 starts this season, Simon Fitch has cleared 34 balls, intercepted 10 passes, and won 10 of his 13 tackles. As the Kickers approach the mid-season mark, a continued defensive surge will be vital towards boosting the club’s success.
Next Home Match: Saturday’s match against Texoma FC will be Youth Sports Night at City Stadium! Then, the Kickers will host Spokane Velocity FC, who hold the top spot in the USL League One with a 6-1-2 record, on Saturday, June 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Stadium as the club hosts Pride Night. Get tickets now at richmondkickers.com/tickets!
