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Kickers Announce Pro Tryouts

REGISTRATION CLOSED

RICHMOND, Va. – (Thursday, October 31, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers announced today that the club will host open tryouts December 13-14, 2019.  A select number of players will be invited to participate in two days of intense training and scrimmages in front of technical staff at the Kickers state-of-the-art training facility Ukrop Park in Richmond, Virginia.  Eligible college seniors, qualified free agents and talented amateur players that are seeking a professional contract are encouraged to register now at www.richmondkickers.com.
 
“The Richmond Kickers have a long history of finding quality players from the tryouts,” said Mika Elovaara, Kickers Interim Head Coach. “As we continue to build a strong roster for the 2020 season, this tryout is an important opportunity to observe and evaluate talent from all over the world, in hopes of finding the next Braeden Troyer or Robert Ssejjemba.”
 
Attendance at the player combine is one of the best ways to ensure that a player’s complete soccer resume and professional evaluation is in front of key decision makers for the Richmond Kickers. Training sessions will take place in front of professional coaching staff, led by Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, who will be joined by an array of experienced technical staff and former professional players.
 
Recently, Kickers Pro Tryouts discovered midfielders Ryley Kraft and Zach Perez, while past trials have also produced such prominent players as 2016 USL Defender of the Year Finalist and All-League First Team Defender Hugh Roberts, 2013 USL Rookie of the Year Nate Robinson, Clyde Simms (New England Revolution, D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL MVP and Ugandan National Team). 
 
Interested players should submit an application and $150 registration fee by November 30, 2019. Space is limited and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Registration fees are non-refundable. Application fees increase to $200 after the registration deadline of November 30, 2019. Attendance at all sessions is required. If you have questions about the tryouts, please email scouting@https://www.richmondkickers.com.

Fitzgerald Named Finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year

TAMPA, Fla. – (Thursday, October 17, 2019) – The finalists for the 2019 USL League One Awards were announced on Thursday as standout performers in five categories earned nomination after a remarkable inaugural season for the league. The winners will be announced during League One Awards Week between Monday, Oct. 28 and Friday, Nov. 1.

Kickers goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald is a finalist for the 2019 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Signing with the Kickers after an extensive career in both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer, Fitzgerald posted nine shutouts this season which tied him for second in the league this season. That is also the highest shutout total for an individual player for the club since the 2013 season. Fitzgerald was second in the league with 73 saves. 

The 2019 USL League One Awards were voted on by team leadership.

2019 USL AWARD FINALISTS

2019 Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Monday, Oct. 28

Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: Fitzgerald ranked second in the league with 73 saves and tied for second with nine shutouts as he posted a 69.5 save percentage for the Kickers.

Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC: Jaye led the league with 14 shutouts and a 0.78 goals-against average in the regular season to claim the League One Golden Glove, while recording 47 saves in 27 appearances.

Alex Mangels, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Mangels led League One with 85 saves as he played every minute of the regular season, posting six clean sheets and a 69.7 save percentage for the Red Wolves.

2019 Defender of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Tuesday, Oct. 29

Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley finished tied for the league-lead among defenders with six goals, led all outfield players with 201 recoveries, ranked third in the league with 208 duels won at a success rate of 56.2 percent and ranked tied for fourth in the league with 49 interceptions.

Christian Diaz, Forward Madison FC: Diaz ranked second in the league with 52 interceptions, won 191 duels at a success rate of 64.5 percent, made 165 recoveries and was only dribbled past by an opponent 28 times as he ranked fourth in the league with 50 tackles.

Tyler Polak, Greenville Triumph SC: Polak led the league with 63 interceptions, ranked first among defenders with 51 tackles, won 155 duels at a success rate of 61.3 percent and recorded three assists and 27 chances created.

2019 Coach of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Wednesday, Oct. 30

John Harkes, Greenville Triumph SC: For a second time, Harkes led a side to the postseason in its inaugural season as Greenville featured the best defense in the league, conceding only 22 goals in 28 games and posting 13 clean sheets.

Nate Miller, Lansing Ignite FC: Miller led Lansing to a second-place finish in the regular season as the club accumulated the longest undefeated streak of the year at 12 games, while sitting second in the league with 49 goals.

Eric Quill, North Texas SC: Quill’s side finished top of the League One standings and recorded a league- best 53 goals in the regular season, while also producing two separate five-game winning streaks to create a 10-point gap to second place in the final standings.

2019 Young Player of the Year Finalists – Winner announced Thursday, Oct. 31

Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: Damus recorded the most combined goals and assists in League One with his 16 tallies on 31 shots on goal earning the Haiti international the league’s Golden Boot award.

Ricardo Pepi, North Texas SC: Pepi opened his professional career with League One’s first hat trick on the opening weekend of the regular season, and he finished with nine goals in 12 appearances at a rate of a goal every 114.8 minutes.

Jordan Perruzza, Toronto FC II: Perruzza finished second in League One with 15 goals, accounting for more than one-third of TFC II’s attacking output, while also finishing second in shots on goal with 29 and a scoring rate of a goal every 120.6 minutes.

Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC: Rodriguez led the league in assists with 10 and chances created with 72, but also ranked first in the league in tackles won with 61 and was one of only seven players to complete at least 1,150 passes in the regular season.

2019 Most Valuable Player Finalists – Winner announced Friday, Nov. 1

Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley’s six goals and six assists highlighted a standout two-way season that also saw him lead the league with 201 recoveries, win 40 of 52 tackles and 208 duels at a success rate of 56.2 percent.

Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: Damus recorded a league-leading 16 goals at a rate of a tally every 87 minutes in 20 appearances, led the league in shots on goal with 31 on a shooting accuracy rate of 60.8 percent and finished the regular season with a shot conversion rate of 31.4 percent.

Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC: The lone player to appear in every game for North Texas, Rodriguez combined a league-leading 10 assists and 72 chances created with seven goals on a 21.2 percent shot conversion rate to help power League One’s best attack.

Gallardo, Ackwei Honored on All-League Teams

TAMPA, Fla. – (Wednesday, October 16, 2019) – USL League One announced the 2019 All-League First and Second Teams. Forward Joe Gallardo earned a spot on the All-League First Team, while defender Wahab Ackwei was named to the All-League Second Team.
 
Gallardo lead the club with six goals this season, adding two assists. The forward also lead the team in shots (46) and shots on target (25). He had a passing accuracy of 74.8 percent from 636 passes. 
 
Ackwei topped the club in several defensive categories. The Ghanian defender had 97 clearances, 49 interceptions and 13 blocks to lead all defenders this season for the Kickers. 
 
Keep up with the Kickers during the off season at www.richmondkickers.com. Follow the club on social media through the official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages. 
2019 USL League One All-League First Team
GK – Dallas Jaye, Greenville Triumph SC: Jaye led League One with 13 shutouts and a 0.78 goals-against average as he recorded 48 saves in 27 appearances at a 68.7 save percentage.
 
D – Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley recorded six goals and six assists and had 34 key passes as he posed an attacking threat alongside his defensive solidity, where he led all defenders with 201 recoveries and finished tied for third among defenders with 49 interceptions.
 
D – Christian Diaz, Forward Madison FC: Diaz won the third-most duels among defenders, taking 197 at a success rate of 64.5 percent, finished second in the league in interceptions with 52 and also ranked in the top five among defenders in recoveries with 165 for the Flamingos.
 
D – Tyler Polak, Greenville Triumph SC: Polak led the league with 65 interceptions and also ranked in the top ten among defenders in recoveries (160) and duels won (155 at a success rate of 61.3) as part of Greenville’s league-best defense.
 
D – Cole Seiler, Greenville Triumph SC: Seiler was the lone defender in League One to win more than 100 aerial duels, recording 107 at a 61.8 percent success rate, and also ranked in the top four among defenders in duels won with 176.
 
M – Joe Gallardo, Richmond Kickers: Gallardo led the Kickers with six goals and notched two assists, completed 48 dribbles and recorded 34 chances created in the regular season.
 
M – Tumi Moshobane, Lansing Ignite FC: Moshobane tied for fourth in the league with 10 goals – including a league-high four from outside the penalty area – and recorded 40 chances created and four assists.
 
M – Arturo Rodriguez, North Texas SC: Rodriguez led the league with 10 assists and 72 chances created, while also finishing third on NTSC with seven goals, second in the league with 213 duels won and fourth in the league with 60 dribbles completed.
 
F – Steven Beattie, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Beattie led the Red Wolves with nine goals while also contributing three assists to help keep the Red Wolves in the playoff race until the final weekend of the regular season.
 
F – Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: Damus scored a league-leading 16 goals at a rate of a goal every 87 minutes on a conversion rate of 31.4 percent, posted the most shots on goal of any player in the league with 31 and also notched three assists.
 
F – Jordan Perruzza, Toronto FC II: Perruzza finished second in the league with 15 goals, averaging a goal every 120.6 minutes as he accounted for more than one-third of the Reds’ goals during the regular season.
2018 USL League One All-League Second Team
GK – Alex Mangels, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Mangels recorded a league-leading 85 saves and 42 catches as he played every minute of the regular season, posting six shutouts and a 69.7 save percentage. 
 
D – Wahab Ackwei, Richmond Kickers: Ackwei tied for fourth in the league in the league with 49 interceptions, ranked third among defenders with 177 recoveries and had two assists on 11 chances created.
 
D – Patrick Bunk-Andersen, Toronto FC II: Bunk-Andersen scored five goals, ranking him third among defenders and putting him second on TFC II, and made 181 recoveries and 32 interceptions.
 
D – Brandon Fricke, Lansing Ignite FC: Fricke won 66 of 114 aerial duels – fifth-most among defenders – while also winning 113 of 193 duels and recording two goals, 30 interceptions and 126 recoveries in the regular season.
 
D – Nick Moon, Lansing Ignite FC: Moon finished tied for the league-lead among defenders with six goals and also notched four assists on 37 chances created while recording 157 recoveries and winning 193 of 354 duels.
 
M – Alfusainey Jatta, North Texas SC: Jatta served as the lynchpin of North Texas’ midfield, recording 61.7 passes per 90 minutes at an accuracy rate of 82.7 percent and 151 recoveries while ranking second on the team with 144 duels won.
 
M – Rafael Mentzingen, Lansing Ignite FC: Mentzingen tied for second in the league with seven assists on 21 chances created, and also notched six goals while finishing third in the league with 26 shots on goal.
 
M – Ualefi, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ualefi ranked seventh in the league with 45 interceptions and completed more than 1,000 passes at an accuracy rate of 85.4 percent on 44.4 passes per 90 minutes, recording 16 key passes for the Red Wolves.
 
F – Jordan Jones, FC Tucson: Jones tied for third in the league with 10 goals on a conversion rate of 22.7 percent and notched three assists and 18 chances created for FCT.
 
F – Ricardo Pepi, North Texas SC: Pepi scored nine goals at an average of a goal every 114.78 minutes – placing him second in the league among players with multiple goals – as he recorded 52 shots and 21 shots on goal in 12 appearances.
 
F – Paulo Jr., Forward Madison FC: Paulo Jr. had five goals and five assists on 44 chances created while finishing tied for sixth in the league with 57 shots, of which 24 were on target.

Kickers Part Ways with David Bulow

RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, October 9, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers announce that the club will not extend the contract of head coach David Bulow beyond the 2019 USL League One season. A national search is underway for the new head coach.
 
“We thank David for his service and commitment to help refresh Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer,” said Rob Ukrop, Chairman. “We wish David the best of luck in the next phase of his coaching career.”
 
Bulow was named head coach on June 27, 2018 and led the Kickers in the second half of the 2018 USL Championship season and the inaugural season of USL League One in 2019. The team ended the 2019 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Orlando City B on October 5 for 9th place in the final league standings.

Coach Mika Elovaara will continue on the technical staff and lead the transition. 

Mwape, Shanosky Named to the Team of the Week

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, October 8, 2019) – USL League One announced on Tuesday that midfielder Mutaya Mwape and defender Conor Shanosky have been named to the Team of the Week for Week 27. 
 
Mwape netted his second goal of the season against Toronto FC II Wednesday night. He followed up that performance with a pair of assists as the Kickers took a 2-0 win over Orlando City B in the season finale Saturday night. 
 
Shanosky notched his first goal of the season, which stood as the game winner in the win over OCB. The veteran defender recorded a passing accuracy of 92.1 percent from 63 passes in that match. 

Keep up with the Kickers during the off season at www.richmondkickers.com. Follow the club on social media through the official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages.
USL League One Team of the Week – Week 28
GK – Alex Mangels, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Mangels recorded six saves as the Red Wolves concluded the season with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC II on Saturday night.
 
D – Christian Diaz, Forward Madison FC: Diaz won 8 of 11 duels, won 4 of 6 tackles and made two interceptions as the Flamingos earned a shutout victory on the road against Lansing. 
 
D – Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley had one goal, won 7 of 9 duels, completed 25 of 32 passes and made five interceptions in Tormenta FC’s 3-1 victory against Greenville Triumph SC.
 
D – Conor Shanosky, Richmond Kickers: Shanosky scored the opening goal and completed 57 of 62 passes while winning 3 of 3 duels defensively in Richmond’s 2-0 victory against Orlando City B.
 
M – Jad Arslan, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Arslan netted a pair of goals and completed 15 of 16 passes to lead South Georgia’s comeback victory against Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday night.
 
M – J.C. Banks, Forward Madison FC: Banks scored the only goal of the game, won 4 of 4 duels, made 10 recoveries and completed 15 of 20 passes as Madison clinched a playoff place with victory in Lansing.
 
M – Mutaya Mwape, Richmond Kickers: Mwape had a pair of assists and six chances created as he completed 30 of 32 passes and made four recoveries in Richmond’s victory against Orlando City B.
 
M – Don Smart, Forward Madison FC: Smart recorded one assist and four chances created while winning 7 of 9 duels, winning 3 of 3 tackles and making two interceptions in a solid two-way performance against Lansing.
 
F – Jordan Perruzza, Toronto FC II: Perruzza scored three goals across two games while completing 5 of 7 dribbles and 30 of 41 passes as Toronto took four points from two road contests in Richmond and Chattanooga. 
 
F – Oscar Romero, North Texas SC: Romero scored a pair of goals and completed 17 of 20 passes to help North Texas claim victory in its regular-season finale against FC Tucson on Friday night.
 
F – Charlie Dennis, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Dennis had one assist, two shots and three chances created while completing 27 of 33 passes and winning 7 of 10 duels in Tormenta FC’s win against Greenville.

Kickers Top Orlando in Troyer Sendoff

TEAM SCORE GOALSCORERS
RICHMOND KICKERS
(9-14-5, 32 points, 9th)
2

Shanosky (Mwape) 31′, Boateng (Mwape) 36′
ORLANDO CITY B
(4-20-4, 16 points, 10th)
0

 
 

RICHMOND, Va. — (Saturday, October 5, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (9-14-5) closed out the 2019 USL League One season Saturday night at City Stadium behind a 2-0 victory over Orlando City B (4-20-4). Conor Shanosky found the back of the net in the 31st minute, followed by Charles Boateng five minutes later. Mutaya Mwape assisted on both goals. Braeden Troyer finished his professional career with a victory after wearing the captain’s armband.

Just a minute into the match, Braden Troyer nearly put the Kickers up 1-0 early. Nick Retzlaff sent a corner kick in towards the near post. Troyer broke free of his defender to get a header on the ball. His shot grazed the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick.

Braeden Troyer got involved again in the 15th minute looking for the opener. He picked up control of the ball on the right wing. As he turned, he quickly fed the ball through to Greg Boehme going for goal. His shot was saved by Chrsitian Herrera. 

Wahab Ackwei had a last ditch block in the 19th minute to keep Orlando off the board. Thiago Souza pounced on an errant pass took a chance on goal. Ackwei made a run to get a foot on the ball before it slipped in for the opener. 

The Kickers kept searching for an opener in the 26th minute. Nick Retzlaff served in a free kick from the left wing. Wahab Ackwei made the far post run and got a head on the ball, putting his shot just wide. 

Back to back chances came for Richmond in the 26th minute. Nick Retzlaff looked to connect with a center back at the back post again. Retzlaff chipped in a pass that Conor Shanosky was able to catch on the volley, only to have his shot blocked out by Herrera. Mutaya Mwape sent in the ensuing corner kick for Braeden Troyer. He put his header towards goal, only putting it just wide. 

The Kickers would finally break through the deadlock in the 31st minute. Mutaya Mwape stood over a free kick on the left side. He was able to find Conor Shanosky at the far post for a header, that found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. 

Charles Boateng made it 2-0 for Richmond only five minutes later. Mutaya Mwape looked for space across the top of the box. He cut over to the left wing. As he looked up, Charles Boateng was making a run inside box. The two connected as Boateng slid in for the second goal of the night and his second of the season. 

Matt Bolduc had a pair of chances in the 68th minute. Mutaya Mwape sent the ball out to Bolduc on the right edge of the box. He looked to sneak in a shot before he reached the endline. Herrera made the save as the ball bounced back out for Bolduc. The midfielder looked to turn towards goal, instead spinning the opposite way to get into nearly the same spot before going for a shot again, this time with Herrera pushing it out for a corner.

Two minutes before the end of the 90, Akira Fitzgerald came up with a massive save. Rafael Santos slipped through into the Kickers box. 

Keep up with the Kickers during the off season at www.richmondkickers.com. Follow the club on social media through the official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages. 

BOX SCORE
TEAM FIRST HALF SECOND HALF FINAL

Richmond

2

0

2

Orlando

0

0

0
 
LINEUPS

Richmond GK Akira Fitzgerald, Matt Bolduc, Conor Shanosky, Wahab Ackwei, Zach Perez (64’ – Josh Hughes), Nick Retzlaff (72’ – Ryley Kraft), Braeden Troyer (90’ – Justin Grove), Greg Boehme, Mutaya Mwape, Daniel Jackson, Charles Boateng

Unused Substitutes: Matt Broomall, Dennis Chin, Justin Grove, Luke Pavone, Jannik Eckenrode 

Orlando GK Christian Herrera, Randy Mendoza, Brandon John, Jordan Hill, Leonardo Da Silva Simas, Austin Amer, Tanner Hummel (45’ – Tresor Mbuyu), Rafael Santos, William Bagrou, Thiago De Souza, Luc Granitur (69’  – Steven Hernandez)

Unused Substitutes: Juliano Chade, Ates Diouf, Lucas Ontivero

STATISTICS
TEAM SHOTS SAVES FOULS CORNERS

Richmond

19

1

15

6

Orlando

7

8

14

3

 

SCORING SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
31′ RIC Conor Shanosky (Mutaya Mwape)
36′ RIC Charles Boateng (Mutaya Mwape)

CAUTIONS SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
38′ ORL Tanner Hummel
69′ ORL Rafael Santos
81′ RIC Charles Boateng
90′ ORL Leonardo Simas
90′ RIC Akira Fitzgerald
90′ ORL William Bagrou
 
EJECTIONS SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
None.    

 

MATCH INFORMATION
Referee: Adorae Whitesel
Assistant Referees: Max Smith, Andrew Charron
Fourth Official: Otto Leon
Attendance: 3,819
Weather: Partly Sunny, 65 ºF

Troyer Announces His Retirement After Season Concludes

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, October 4, 2019) – Defender Braeden Troyer has announced that he will be retiring from soccer following the conclusion of the 2019 USL League One season to pursue opportunities outside the sport. He will be available for selection Saturday night as the Kickers host Orlando City B for the final match of the season at City Stadium. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
“I am truly grateful that God gave me this unique opportunity to come to Richmond to play professional soccer,” said Troyer. “I can’t express enough gratitude to my wife, family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans for the support and love that has surrounded me throughout my career. The Red Army welcomed me on day one, and the memories I have created at City Stadium and around RVA will never be forgotten. While change is never easy, the daily goal of trying to walk closer with God will be a strong foundation for whatever the future holds.”
 
Playing all five seasons of his professional career in Richmond, Troyer has made 133 appearances in a Kickers shirt, scoring one goal and adding two assists. This season, the crafty defender made 17 appearances, including 12 starts and amassing over 1,100 minutes. He scored his first goal in league play September 7, which stood as the game winner over Greenville Triumph SC.  
 
“Braeden Troyer has been a model player for the Richmond Kickers and embodies everything we believe in as a club,” added David Bulow, Kickers Head Coach. “He always thinks of the team first, will play anywhere the team needs him, and is one of the most humble and hardworking players I’ve come across in my nearly 15 years at this club. He has been an exemplary professional and it’s been an honor to work with him for the past 15 months. We wish Braeden and his wife Alex the best of luck in the future and consider them both friends for life.”
 
Troyer impressed at the Kickers 2015 Pro Combine, earning his first professional contract after the three-day event.  A four-year starter, a three-time Conference USA Academic Medal winner as well as a three-time member of the league’s postseason teams, Troyer helped the Gamecocks to a C-USA crown in 2011 as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance that season.  As a senior, the native of Columbia, SC played every minute of the season and anchored South Carolina’s defense that posted three shutouts while adding one assist.

Kickers Close Out 2019 Season Saturday Against Orlando

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, October 4, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (8-14-5) will host their final match of the season against Orlando City B and Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Fans over the age of 21 can partake in the extended Happy Hour special from 5:30-7 p.m. and enjoy $3 off their craft beers and wine. After the match has concluded, fans under the age of 14 are invited to partake in a post-match shootout at the North End goal. Meanwhile, fans are also invited to a post-match meet and greet with the players from 9-9:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com. 
 
This will be the third time both of these clubs have met in the inaugural season of USL League One, with each team taking a victory at their home venue. A late penalty call decided the first match this season in Orlando back on May 22. OCB jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals from Moises Tablante and Serginho. Richmond leveled the score with goals from Eli Lockaby and Josh Hughes, both their first of the season. The referee awarded a penalty in the 84th minute, which was converted successfully by Thiago Souza to seal the victory. A goal in the 70th minute from Dennis Chin gave the Kickers a victory at City Stadium on July 20. The match got heated in the 83rd minute after Akira Fitzgerald, William Bagrou and Randy Mendoza were all shown straight red cards and sent off. The Kickers are holding onto a slight advantage in the overall series with OCB, taking a 3-2-1 record since the 2016 USL Championship season.
 
Richmond will be looking to close out the season on a high note after falling in a midweek clash to Toronto FC II Wednesday night at City Stadium. The Kickers jumped out to a lead early after Eli Lockaby found Mutaya Mwape in space for a run up the right wing. The crafty midfielder cut back and forth inside the Toronto box before firing a shot past Eric Klenofsky for the go ahead goal. The lead was short lived, with TFCII leveling the score only four minutes later from a goal by Jordan Perruzza. He would go on to get a brace in the 52nd minute to get the road win.
 
Orlando ended a 15-match winless streak last Saturday night, earning a 1-0 victory on the road at Greenville Triumph SC. William Bagrou silenced the crowd of over 4,000 fans at Legacy Early College in the 53rd minute, scoring the lone goal of the match that ended up being the game winner after an assist from Serginho, who leads the team in assists this season. OCB will be without Serginho for the season finale at Richmond after the midfielder was issued a straight red card for a serious foul in stoppage time. 
 
Keep up with the Kickers during the off season at www.richmondkickers.com. Follow the club on social media through the official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richmond: Midfielder Ryley Kraft (#98) Richmond’s most recent signing to log minutes for the Kickers, Kraft has been one of the most accurate passers in the opponent’s half as the former USYNT player always look to play the ball to a more advanced area. He ranks in the top five in the team with 77 percent passing accuracy in the opponent’s half and he has seven chances created in just four starts. Defender Eli Lockaby (#17) played a vital distribution role on the right side of the pitch in the team’s most recent match against Toronto FC II. The rookie recorded 25/25 passes completed in the Toronto half including an assist of Mutaya Mwape’s goal, and he recorded a 98 percent pass completion overall during the match. Not only dangerous in distribution, Lockaby’s first league goal was scored at Orlando back in May. Forward Dennis Chin (#15) provided the go-ahead goal in the Kickers 1-0 win over OCB at City Stadium back in July. Chin ranks second on the team with five goals on the season and the veteran forward will look to add to his season tally against an OCB side that has conceded a league-leading 50 goals in 2019. 

Orlando: Forward Thiago Souza (#11) will need to be well-guarded after the Brazilian forward proved capable of scoring on the Kickers in the clubs’ first match of the season when he delivered the game winner for the MLS Affiliate. Souza currently leads his team with six goals on the season — ranking tied for 12th in the league. While OCB struggled to score goals in the 2019 campaign, Souza is the guy to do it for the Lions. Forward Moises Tablante (#24) scored the opening goal in the fourth minute in Orlando’s 3-2 win over the Kickers back in May. The attacker placed a low-driving shot to prove his ability to finish in the box. Midfielder Alasanne Ates Diouf (#21) is an attack-minded midfielder that will draw the attention of Richmond’s anchors in the center of the park. Diouf is one of his team’s shot leaders with 23 shots on the season. Diouf will look to distribute to his forwards, but Richmond will also need to be ready to close off shooting angles.

Kickers Defeated at Home by Toronto

TEAM SCORE GOALSCORERS
RICHMOND KICKERS
(8-14-5, 29 points, 9th)
1

Mwape (Lockaby) 9′
TORONTO FC II
(9-10-8, 35 points, 6th)
2

Perruzza (Okello) 13′, Perruzza (Nelson) 52′
 

RICHMOND, Va. — (Wednesday, October 2, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (8-14-5) were defeated at City Stadium Saturday night by Toronto FC II (9-10-8). Jordan Perruzza netted a brace to give the visitors the victory. Mutaya Mwape scored his second goal of the season in the 9th minute from an assist by Eli Lockaby.

Eli Lockaby came up with a massive stop four minutes into the match. Ralph Priso served in a corner kick for Franco Ramos Mingo for a header. Lockaby was on the endline to block the shot as Maxi Rodriguez cleared it from danger. 

Mutaya Mwape gave the Kickers the lead in the 10th minute. Conor Shanosky got the play going, getting the ball ahead for Eli Lockaby on the midfield line. He took a touch to get around his defender and found space for Mwape to make a run up the right wing. 

Toronto leveled the score only four minutes later. Noble Okello received the ball and found Jordan Perruzza turning with space. He made a run into the box and went for the shot towards the far post. Rice got a touch on the ball as it slipped through and into the net for the tying goal. 

Wahab Ackwei and Charles Boateng nearly found the go ahead goal in the 37th minute. Ackwei worked his way through the Toronto backline to the left flank. He whipped in a cross that found Boateng in space at the penalty spot. The Ghanian tried to catch the shot on the volley, unfortunately putting his shot over the goal. 

Jordan Perruzza netted a brace in the 53rd minute to put the visitors up at City Stadium. Patrick Bunk-Anderson chipped the ball ahead for Jayden Nelson on the left wing. He centered a pass for Perruzza. The forward charged at goal and went for the shot towards the near post, firing it past Joe Rice.

A chance came for the Kickers to pull level in the 57th minute. From a corner kick, Mutaya Mwape powered in a cross to the far post. Wahab Ackwei was there for the header, putting his shot just barely wide. 

Joe Rice came up with a massive save in the 82nd minute. Luca Petrasso broke free up the left wing. Andrew Carlini found space in the center of the pitch to receive a cross from Petrasso. Rice came off his line to shut down Carlini before he could get a clean shot off. 

Toronto was reduced to 10 men in second half stoppage time. Franco Ramos Mingo picked up his second yellow card for a hard challenge on Charles Boateng. 

The Kickers will host their final match of the season against Orlando City B and Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Fans over the age of 21 can partake in the extended Happy Hour special from 5:30-7 p.m. and enjoy $3 off their craft beers and wine. After the match has concluded, fans under the age of 14 are invited to partake in a post-match shootout at the North End goal. Meanwhile, fans are also invited to a post-match meet and greet with the players from 9-9:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com.

BOX SCORE
TEAM FIRST HALF SECOND HALF FINAL

Richmond

1

0

1

Toronto

1

1

2
 
LINEUPS

Richmond GK Joe Rice, Scott Thomsen (20’ – Ivan Magalhães, 45’ – Jannik Eckenrode), Conor Shanosky, Wahab Ackwei, Eli Lockaby, Maxi Rodriguez, Ryley Kraft (82’ – Luke Pavone), Mutaya Mwape, Joe Gallardo, Dennis Chin, Charles Boateng

Unused Substitutes: Akira Fitzgerald, Daniel Jackson, Nick Retzlaff, Greg Boehme

Toronto GK Eric Klenofsky, Dante Campbell, Patrick Bunk-Anderson, Franco Ramos Mingo, Jesus West, Noble Okello, Ralph Priso (86’ – Adolfo Ovalle), Antonio Carini, Jayden Nelson (66’ – Luca Petrasso), Jacob Shaffleburg (33’ – Ayo Akinola), Jordan Perruzza

Unused Substitutes: Eleias Himaras, Rocco Romeo, Griffin Dorsey, Gideon Waja

STATISTICS
TEAM SHOTS SAVES FOULS CORNERS

Richmond

14

1

11

5

Toronto

12

2

16

5

 

SCORING SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
9′ RIC Mutaya Mwape (Eli Lockaby)
13′ TOR Jordan Perruzza (Noble Okello)
52′ TOR Jordan Perruzza (Jayden Nelson)

CAUTIONS SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
28′ TOR Noble Okello
45′ RIC Charles Boateng
45′ TOR Patrick Bunk-Anderson
49′ RIC Conor Shanosky
55′ TOR Franco Ramos Mingo
59′ TOR Ayo Akinola
78′ TOR Antonio Carlini
90′ TOR Franco Ramos Mingo
 
EJECTIONS SUMMARY
MIN TEAM PLAYER
90′ TOR Franco Ramos Mingo

 

MATCH INFORMATION
Referee: Natalie Simon
Assistant Referees: Justin Howard, Nicholas Seymour
Fourth Official: Andrew Charron
Attendance: 2,752
Weather: Partly Sunny, 89 ºF

Kickers Host Toronto in Midweek Clash

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, October 1, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (8-13-5) will host the first of two matches this week starting Wednesday night as they host Toronto FC II (8-10-8) at City Stadium for Breast Cancer Awareness Night. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the first 400 fans, ages 14 and up, will be given a Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt presented by the VCU Massey Cancer Center. The midweek match will also be College Night for all the students in the Richmond area. Students with valid college ids can purchase $6 tickets at the booths outside the stadium. Finally, fans over the age of 21 can take advantage of Happy Hour specials from 5:30-7 p.m. that include $1 PBR can beers and $3 off craft beers and wine. Tickets for the match are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com. 

With a series that goes back to the 2015 USL Championship season, the Kickers hold the overall advantage with a record of 6-3-2. This match will be the third and final meeting between the two clubs in USL League One this season. The first match was back on July 26 at BMO Training Ground, with the Kickers giving TFC II their first home loss of the season behind a 2-1 road victory. Toronto got on the board in the 19th minute with a goal from Matthew Srbely. Scott Thomsen stepped up for a free kick in the 35th minute, which he puts in towards the near post only to have the ball knocked in when Eric Klenofsky lost control of the ball. Josh Hughes was the hero in the 48th minute, putting away a saved Joe Gallardo penalty. The teams battled to a 2-2 draw at City Stadium on August 17. The Kickers held on to a 2-0 lead at halftime with a brace by Daniel Jackson. The visitors pulled level in the 87th minute after the tying goal from Terique Mohammed. 

Richmond closed out the road portion of their 2019 USL League One schedule, falling to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, 1-2. The Kickers were reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute after Braeden Troyer was sent off with a straight red card after a challenge from behind that lead to a penalty for the Red Wolves. Ualefi found the back of the net, despite Akira Fitzgerald guessing correctly a minute later. Sito Seoane slipped through the Kickers backline to put Chattanooga up 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Mutaya Mwape switched the field for Charles Boateng, who settled and fired a shot on frame for his first league goal in the 65th minute. 

Toronto claimed a 1-0 victory in their last home match of the season over South Georgia Tormenta FC last Friday night. Jayden Nelson set up Franco Ramos Mingo in the 23rd minute for the lone goal of the night. Eric Klenofsky made three saves to earn his third clean sheet of the season. 

The Kickers will host their final match of the season against Orlando City B and Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Fans over the age of 21 can partake in the extended Happy Hour special from 5:30-7 p.m. and enjoy $3 off their craft beers and wine. After the match has concluded, fans under the age of 14 are invited to partake in a post-match shootout at the North End goal. Meanwhile, fans are also invited to a post-match meet and greet with the players from 9-9:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Forward Charles Boateng (#77) has been a spark for the Richmond attack in recent weeks. The striker scored an absolute banger against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC that earned a Goal of the Week nomination from USL League One. Previously, against the likes of North Texas SC, Boateng proved to be an impact sub that changed the dynamic of the attack. Boateng has an opportunity to have another eventful night against a Toronto defense that has conceded 44 goals which ranks second worst in the league. Forward Mutaya Mwape (#80) combined with Boateng during the Chattanooga match where the Zambian winger served up an arching cross that put Boateng in position to score. Mwape’s pace with or without the ball always requires the attention of opposing fullbacks and he’s able to open up space for other players to play more forward. If Mwape and Boateng continue their partnership from the Chattanooga match, they will have the opportunity to wreak havoc against the Toronto. Midfielder Matt Bolduc (#11) has been the maestro in midfield for the Kickers. Bolduc leads the team with six assists on the season, and his influence in the center of the park allows him to make runs and distribute to the forwards. The midfielder is always looking to play the ball into dangerous areas as evidenced by his 17 chances created that ranks second on the team. Look for Bolduc to ignite the Richmond attack. 

Toronto: Forward Jordan Perruzza (#77) is the main goal scoring threat for Toronto, and the major defensive target for the Kickers. The need to shutdown Perruzza is a simple calculus based on the previous two matchups. The Kickers won at Toronto when Peruzza did not score, and the Kickers drew at home when Peruzza did score. Shutdown Perruzza — who is the second leading scorer in the league with 12 goals — and get three points. Midfielder Matthew Srbely (#50) is another offensive threat requiring containment from the Kickers to win a second match this season against Toronto. Srbely currently leads the MLS affiliate with five assists and he even notched the opening goal in the first matchup between the clubs. Keeping him off the ball and unable to create will go a long way in securing a win at City Stadium for the Reds.Midfielder Luca Petrasso (#39) is the other creator in the Toronto midfield. Currently, he ranks tied for ninth in the league with 35 chances created on the season. His facilitation has provided three assists for the MLS affiliate while he has even notched two goals.

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