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Match Preview: Kickers Look to Retain Bon Secours Cup in Rematch at Greenville

Match Information:

Greenville Triumph SC vs Richmond Kickers
Legacy Early College Field, Greenville, South Carolina
Sunday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m.

Broadcast Information:

Internet: ESPN+
TV (Local): WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206/Verizon FiOS 466)
Spanish Radio: WULT Ultra 94.1FM and 1540AM
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (5-6-6) are back on the road to face reigning USL League One title-winners, Greenville Triumph SC (6-5-6) in the final regular-season leg of the 2021 Bon Secours Cup. 
 
The last matchup between Richmond and Greenville resulted in an unfortunate 0-1 loss for the Reds at City Stadium in the 2021 season home opener. Richmond played well against Greenville’s low-block and pragmatic attack for the better part of the match. It wasn’t until a late 74th-minute own goal would throw a wrench in Richmond’s momentum as they pounced on Greenville’s 10-man team after Cesar Murillo received a second yellow card and ejection in the 40th minute.
Richmond’s last outing was at City Stadium to face New England Revolution II for the third time this season. Richmond had previously beaten Revs II twice, once in the season opener, and again several weeks later, scoring three goals on both occasions and earning six points. 
 
This time around Richmond opened the scoring up with an Emiliano Terzaghi goal in the six-yard box, beating his mark to get a foot to a cross played-in by Matt Bolduc. Bolduc made an enterprising run up the left wing after a heady pass from Nil Vinyals unlocked the winger in a dangerous area. 
 
Terzaghi would walk back onto the pitch for the second half ready to score another goal, this time, a drilled shot from roughly 35 yards out, beating Joe Rice to hit the back of the net, bringing Richmond’s lead to 2-0. But in the last several minutes of regular time, Revs II managed to score from a tight angle as Noel Buck launched a shot across the box and an equalizing goal from Kizza in the 87th minute. The two teams would see out the remainder of the match with a level scoreline, both sides walking off the pitch with a point.
Greenville’s last match was against Tormenta FC and resulted in a 3-1 loss. The match started with an early goal from Tormenta’s Luca Mayr-Fälten in the 10th minute. Greenville answered back with a 21st-minute goal by Jesús Ibarra. Tormenta took to the field to seal the deal after the first half and scored two goals from Stefan Mueller and Marco Micaletto within three minutes. 
 
Following the road trip south, Richmond returns to City Stadium to host their regional rivals, North Carolina FC. The Kickers faced NCFC in North Carolina most recently in the middle of a string of three matches in a week, with the home side taking a 4-0 result. This time around, Richmond will have a chance to take points back from NCFC at home in front of the Red Army on August 28. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss a moment of the 2021 season at City Stadium with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility, and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $39.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular-season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

Richmond Kickers

Jalen Crisler (#15) is a composed center-back, slotting into this new Richmond team seamlessly. Crisler has a passing accuracy of 81.3%, providing a well-composed option to play out of the backfield. Crisler also has 66 clearances, 17 blocks, and 19 interceptions and has the most minutes played in the whole team. 
 
Nil Vinyals (#10) is a more advanced midfield playmaker. Vinyals is a new addition to the team this year, has been a regular starter in the midfield and has recorded two goals and two assists this season, and has a passing accuracy of 75.6 percent.
 
Emiliano Terzaghi (#32) was awarded the USL League One Cleer Audio July Player of the Month award and was recently nominated for Cleer Audio Team of the Week after yet another impressive, two-goal performance against New England Revolution II. Terzaghi scores a goal every 120.8 minutes and has already surpassed his total goal tally from last season when he won the Golden Boot.

Greenville Triumph SC

Mario Lomis (#32) is Greenville’s top scorer and leads the league in goals scored (12). Lomis scores a goal every 113.8 minutes and is a danger in the box, averaging 2.71 shots per game and scoring 11 of his goals from inside the box. 
 
Brandon Fricke (#15) leads the Greenville team in clearances (47) and blocks (8). Fricke has a passing accuracy of 80.5% and is a standout player in Greenville’s defense. 
 
Don Smart (#10) is a playmaking midfielder with pace who can create goal-scoring opportunities just as likely as he is to score. The savvy veteran leads the team in chances created (26) and has scored one goal and made two assists for Greenville.

Terzaghi Named to the USL League One Cleer Audio Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ forward, reigning league MVP, and reigning Cleer Audio Player of the Month for July 2021, Emiliano Terzaghi, has been named to the USL League One Cleer Audio Team of the Week following a two-goal performance against New England Revolution II in Week 19.
 
“I appreciate the recognition of the work,” Terzaghi said. “It is always important to help the team in my role.”
This marks the fourth time that the Argentine talisman has been named to the league’s weekly honor. He previously appeared together during weeks 5 and 17 as well as his Cleer Audio Player of the Week nod during Week 13.
 
“Emi scored a couple of good goals again for us and he continues to deliver when he is needed,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He is a great model for players with his progressional approach and his consistency in front of goal.”
Hungry to get back on the field after missing the Reds’ most recent trip to Canada because of governmental travel restrictions, Terzaghi led the way on the scoresheet for the Kickers. 
 
The Reds took a lead in the first half after some clever interplay between Nil Vinyals and Matt Bolduc progressed the ball into a dangerous area. Bolduc played in a cross from the left wing as Terzaghi timed his run into the box perfectly and guided the ball into the net.
Terzaghi would double the Reds’ lead shortly after the start of the second half. Receiving the ball in the center of the pitch, Terzaghi progressed the ball up to roughly 35 yards away from goal. He noticed a potential opening and launched a long-range effort that bounced in the six-yard-box, making it incredibly difficult to save because of the wet conditions, and the ball ricocheted off the keeper’s hands and into the net.
 
The two goals, Saturday night, give Terzaghi sole possession of second place in the 2021 Golden Boot Race as he sits one goal behind Greenville Triumph SC’s Marios Lomis. It also marked Terzaghi’s 20th and 21st USL League One goals. The forward is now tied with former North Texas SC standout Ronaldo Damus for most goals scored in the league’s three-year history.
Terzaghi and the Kickers hit the road, Sunday night, to face off against Lomis and the reigning 2020 USL League One Champs, Greenville. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streamed on ESPN+. The match will also broadcast live in Spanish on the radio on WULT Ultra 94.1FM/1540AM.

GK – Rashid Nuhu, Union Omaha: Nuhu moved into a tie for the league-lead with his fifth shutout of the season, recording a pair of saves as los Buhos took a 1-0 victory on the road against FC Tucson to continue their undefeated streak to 10 games.

D – Jason Ramos, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ramos put in a stellar defensive display for the Red Wolves in their road win against North Carolina, winning 7 of 11 duels and recording 10 recoveries, eight clearances and winning 3 of 4 tackles while completing 46 of 55 passes.

D – Gustavo Fernandes, Forward Madison FC: Fernandes helped Madison claim a key victory to its playoff hopes against South Georgia Tormenta FC, notching one assist and two key passes while winning 8 of 11 duels and winning four tackles defensively.

D – Derek Waldeck, North Texas SC: Waldeck had one assist and three key passes moving forward into attack from left back and made 10 recoveries and two interceptions defensively while completing 24 of 31 passes.

M – Ricky Ruiz, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ruiz not only notched three assists in his side’s 4-1 win against North Carolina FC but finished with three shots and eight key passes overall while winning 4 of 5 duels and completing 28 of 36 passes.

M – Kalil ElMedkhar, North Texas SC: ElMedkhar got NTSC off to an ideal start with the opening goal after 10 minutes in its 4-0 victory against North Carolina FC and finished the night with three shots and three key passes while also completing 27 of 28 passes overall. 

M – Tobias Otieno, Union Omaha: Otieno was impressive in the center of midfield for Omaha, winning 13 of 18 duels and making 10 recoveries and four interceptions while completing 43 of 51 passes as the visitors shut out FC Tucson in a 1-0 win.

M – Justin Sukow, Forward Madison FC: Sukow scored what proved to be the game-winner for the Flamingos in their 2-1 win against South Georgia Tormenta FC and completed 31 of 36 passes overall while also making nine recoveries and two interceptions in midfield. 

M – Noel Buck, New England Revolution II: Buck started the Revolution II’s comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with the Richmond Kickers with his goal in the 86th minute and had two shots and three key passes while completing 25 of 30 passes overall.

F – Mitchell Curry, Fort Lauderdale CF: Curry recorded a goal and assist as Fort Lauderdale took victory against Greenville Triumph SC, setting up Shaan Hundal’s opener before doubling the side’s lead three minutes later, and ended the night with three shots and five key passes overall.

F – Emiliano Terzaghi, Richmond Kickers: The 2020 League One MVP continued his pursuit of a second consecutive Golden Boot with two goals in Richmond’s 2-2 draw against the New England Revolution II, sending him to 11 goals this season. He is now tied with Ronaldo Damus for most regular season goals in League One history.

Match Recap: Terzaghi Nets A Brace As Kickers Earn A Point Against New England

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Kickers (5-6-6) faced New England Revolution II (7-7-2) for the third time this season, earning a point against the MLS-affiliate off the back of an Emiliano Terzaghi brace.

After an hour of weather delays, the starting whistle was blown, and the third matchup between the Kickers and Revs II was underway. The first 20 minutes of the match was a very level display from both sides with neither able to capitalize on their attacking opportunities. 

Soon after, Nil Vinyals freed up Matt Bolduc with an incisive pass up the left flank. Bolduc floated a brilliant cross across the penalty box, Terzaghi timed his run perfectly and side-footed the ball into the back of the net, bringing the scoreline to 1-0 in the Reds favor. 

As the first half unfolded, Richmond was content to play to their strengths on the counterattack. Patiently playing out from the backfield and deep in the midfield, lofting through passes into the attackers and creating dangerous opportunities moving forward, but the scoreline would remain 1-0 in Richmond’s favor.

The Kickers started the half with the same vigor that earned them the early goal. Oalex Anderson continued to be a nuisance on the wing for the New England defense, linking up with Terzaghi, Bolduc and Vinyals on the right side for several sequences. In the 53rd minute, Terzaghi received the ball outside of the box and seized an open opportunity to drill a long shot and test the New England keeper. Joe Rice got a hand to it, but the wet conditions and the sheer force of Terzaghi’s strike ensured the ball found its way into the back of the net, doubling Richmond’s lead.

Later in the 71st minute, Richmond’s new signing, Ethan Bryant, made his Richmond debut going onto the field in place of Matt Bolduc. With only a quarter of the match remaining, New England put forth its best efforts to equalize the scoreline, sending nine players into the box for a corner kick, but the Richmond defense wouldn’t budge. Akira Fitzgerald would continue to add to his numerous spectacular saves on the evening.

New England would pull off an unlikely comeback in the final minutes of the match. Noel Buck found an opening to put an effort with pace on frame. The shot beat Fitzgerald and into the back of the net, earning a goal for New England, bringing the scoreline to 2-1. In the next minute, New England managed to cross a ball in from a wide area and reach Edward Kizza in the center of the box who headed it into the back of the net, bringing Revs II level with Richmond. 

The fourth official signified four minutes of stoppage time for either side to pull the game in their favor. Richmond earned an opportunity to find the go-ahead from the corner, and Vinyals delivered a ball into the box that found the waiting head of Jalen Crisler. The centerback put his attempt on frame but Rice was able to make the save. The final whistle eventually blew with both sides earning a point from the intense back-and-forth match.

The Reds’ next match will be against Greenville Triumph SC down in South Carolina for the next leg of the Bon Secours Cup. The last time the two clubs faced each other was at City Stadium for Richmond’s second match of the season. The match concluded with an unfortunate loss to the reigning league title-winners, but the Kickers will have an opportunity to level the season series on August 22nd. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:00 p.m.

Stay up to date with the latest news from the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com and on the official team app.

BOX SCORE

 

First Half

Second Half

Final

Richmond

1

1

2

New England

0

2

2

 

LINEUPS

Richmond: Akira Fitzgerald, Juan Pablo Monticelli, Ivan Magalhães, Jalen Crisler, Esteban Calvo( 83’ – Luke Pavone), Zaca Moran, Victor Falck, Matt Bolduc( 71’ – Ethan Bryant), Nil Vinyals, Emiliano Terzaghi( 82’ – Hernan Gonzalez), Oalex Anderson( 71’ – Jonathan Bolanos)

Unused Substitutes: Austin Causey, Nathan Aune, Chris Cole

 

New England: Joseph Rice, Pierre Cayet( 40’ – Colby Quinones), Collin Verfurth, Sean O’Hearn, Michel, Noel Buck, Jake Rozhansky( 68’ – Meny Silva), Ryan Spaulding, Edward Kizza, Connor Presley( 57’ – Hikaru Fujiwara), Justin Rennicks

Unused Substitutes: Marzuq Puckerin, Francois Dulysse, Tyler Freitas, R. Sierakowski
 

STATISTICS

 

Shots

Saves

Fouls

Corners

Richmond

7

6

19

5

New England

18

1

19

9

 

SCORING SUMMARY

26’

53’

86’

87’

RIC

RIC

NE

NE

Terzaghi

Terzaghi

Buck

Kizza

 

CAUTIONS SUMMARY
 

35’

38’

43’

55’

59’

79’

84’

RIC

RIC

NE

NE

NE

RIC

RIC

Terzaghi

Moran

Presley

Michel

Verfurth

Fitzgerald

Gonzalez

 

EJECTIONS SUMMARY

None       

MATCH INFORMATION

Referee: John Matto    
Assistant Referee: Nicholas Seymour, Jonah Kind    
Fourth Official: Nickrod Fateh
Attendance: 1,445
Weather: Intermittent Storms, Rainy, 77 ºF

Match Preview: Kickers host New England Revolution II for Third Matchup of 2021

Match Information:

Richmond Kickers vs New England Revolution II
City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia
Saturday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Broadcast Information:

Internet: ESPN+
TV (Local): WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206/Verizon FiOS 466)

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, August 14, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers (5-6-5) return home to City Stadium to host the MLS-affiliate side, New England Revolution II (7-7-1) for the third time of the 2021 season.

The last matchup between Richmond and New England Revolution II was at City Stadium in early June. Richmond celebrated a 3-2 win over Revs II, marking their second three-goal game against the side this season. Richmond’s first match of the season was in New England against Revs II, Richmond held a clean sheet and put three past the MLS-affiliate side, earning a comfortable three points to start the season.

Richmond’s last outing was at Toronto FC II. TFC II enjoyed their return to Canada after playing the first half of the season split between two different venues. Due to travel restrictions, several Kickers players were unable to play in Toronto, which made way for several of the newer faces and players returning from injury to gain some match fitness. Ty Johnson, a 17-year-old from Richmond United made his pro debut and Devante Dubose made his first appearance after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the opening weeks of the 2020 season.

The match began with an unfortunate own goal deflection into the back of Richmond’s goal, giving Toronto an early lead. Richmond, content with soaking up pressure to counter-attack, strung together a set of passes to find Nil Vinyals running at the goal in the penalty box. Vinyals was taken down in the box and Richmond was awarded a penalty kick. Vinyals stepped up to the spot and sent Caleb Patterson-Sewell diving the wrong way to equalize.

For the next 40 minutes or so, both teams struggled to find the space necessary to convert their attacking opportunities into goals. But, around the 69th minute, Antonio Carlini found space at the top of the Richmond box and curled a well-placed shot into the goal-netting. Toronto FC II would see out the remainder of the match on top and get their three points at home.

New England Revolution II’s last match was against Richmond’s regional rivals, North Carolina FC. New England held a clean sheet at home and slotted three past North Carolina. Damian Rivera, Revs II’s highest scorer, scored the first goal, and Edward Kizza scored a brace in the second half. Revs 11 had 19 shots in total, won 57 duels, and finished with an 86.2% passing accuracy. 

Richmond’s next match will be back on the road as the Kickers’ next matchup after New England Revolution II will be a rematch against Greenville Triumph. The Kickers faced Greenville in the opening match at City Stadium of the 2021 season. Greenville squeezed a win out of the game despite finishing the match with 10 men. Emboldened to pack up the defense with limited counter attacks, the reigning 2020 League One title winners put a ball into a dangerous area that ended with an unfortunate own goal by the Kickers. Greenville saw out the remainder of the match relentlessly defending their goal despite the Reds’ efforts to find a late equalizer. The match is set for August 22nd with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

Don’t miss a moment of the 2021 season at City Stadium with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility, and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $39.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular-season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

Richmond Kickers

Juan Pablo Monticelli (#2) has scored in each match against New England this season, both coming from corner kicks. Monticelli just returned to the starting XI after picking up a knock against North Texas SC. Monticelli has 31 interceptions (second-most in the team), 27 blocks (third-most in the team), and an assist to go along with his two goals against New England. 

Zaca Moran (#6) was absent in the match against Toronto FC II, however, he showed in the last match at City Stadium against FC Tucson how effective he is in the center of the park. Moran has an 81.3 percent passing accuracy, 21 interceptions (third-most in the team), and 41 tackles (most in the team). Look for Moran to be the link between the defensive and attacking lines.

Emiliano Terzaghi (#32) was awarded the USL League One Cleer Audio July Player of the Month award for his five goals throughout the month of July. Terzaghi maintained a passing accuracy of over 80 percent throughout five matches. Terzaghi is currently tied for second place in the running for the Golden Boot award he won last season.

New England Revolution II

Jake Rozhansky (#32) is New England’s top assister with five assists this season so far. Rozhansky is a central midfielder with a knack for playmaking. He has a passing accuracy of 93.1 percent (highest in the team) and has won over 50 percent of his duels. Rozhansky is a midfielder who can break up play and start new ones.

Damian Rivera (#72) is the leading goal scorer for Revs II with four goals. Rivera averages two shots a game and has a passing accuracy of 76.1 percent. Rivera is a menace at the top of the box and cannot be allowed much space. 

Sean O’Hearn (#40) has played in several positions along the defensive line. Regardless of his positioning, O’Hearn is a strong defensive player who leads the team in clearances with 44 and blocks with nine. O’Hearn has won 78 percent of his tackles throughout the season. Look for O’Hearn to break up plays on the wings or in the New England box. 

Terzaghi Named USL League One Cleer Audio Player of the Month

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Thursday that Richmond Kickers’ forward and reigning league MVP Emiliano Terzaghi has been named the Cleer Audio Player of the Month for the month of July after earning a unanimous vote from the USL Technical Committee and earning the second-most votes in the accompanying fan poll.
 
The Argentine talisman was instrumental in the Kickers’ performance over the month as the reigning Golden Boot winner banged in five goals in five matches at a rate of 86.8 minutes between goals.
 
“It is always good to be recognized for my work, and it is an honor for me to represent my club,” Terzaghi said. “For the remainder of the season, our focus is on continuing to grow as a group and seek playoff qualification.”
Terzaghi’s most emphatic performance of the month — against North Texas SC at City Stadium on July 3 — saw the striker score two different equalizing goals before assisting Jonathan Bolanos’ game-winning goal that sealed the Kickers’ comeback 3-2 victory and the club’s first win over North Texas SC. Terzaghi was honored as the Cleer Audio Player of the Week following his heroics over the FC Dallas affiliate.
 
Three of the five goals in July were equalizers including a late strike that earned the Kickers a 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale CF. Terzaghi sparked another comeback that earned a draw at South Georgia Tormenta FC when he scored the Kickers’ opening goal in the second half when the Reds were trailing 2-0.
“Emi has been a high performer for us within USL League One over the past season and a half,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “We are always happy for him when he is recognized for his work and leadership. As we go into the stretch run of games, we will need his leadership and quality in the tight league race.”
 
Terzaghi capped off the month of July with a first-half game winner after earning a penalty kick against FC Tucson. The forward was clipped in the box after Victor Falck played a perfectly-weighted through ball that allowed Terzaghi to split the defenders. Terzaghi took the spot kick and sent the keeper diving to the wrong side as he placed a perfectly-taken penalty in the back of the net.
This marks the second time Terzaghi has been named USL League One Player of the Month as a member of the Kickers. He previously won the award in September of 2020.
 
Terzaghi and the Kickers return home, Saturday night, at City Stadium when they host New England Revolution II for the third time this season and the second time at City Stadium in 2021. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streamed on ESPN+.
USL League One Player of the Month – July
 
Nominee
Fan Vote
Weight
USL Vote
Weight
Total Vote
Emiliano Terzaghi (RIC)
27%
16%
100%
40%
56%
Charlie Dennis (TUC)
34%
20%
0%
0%
20%
Kazu (NTX)
22%
13%
0%
0%
13%
Marco Micaletto (TRM)
16%
10%
0%
0%
10%
Marios Lomis (GVL)
1%
1%
0%
0%
1%

Kickers Sign San Antonio FCs Ethan Bryant on Loan

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of San Antonio FC midfielder Ethan Bryant on loan for the remainder of the 2021 season, pending league and federation approval.
 
“Ethan is a player we have known for a while, all the way back to his all star performance in the ECNL when Mika Elovaara was the commissioner for the league,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “I have watched him play in academy competitions and in the USL Championship for a few years. San Antonio was gracious enough to allow Ethan to come here and continue his development as a player and we want to thank Nick Evans and Tim Holt in particular for the help.”
Bryant, a native of Longview, Tx., joined San Antonio FC as a USL Academy player in early 2018 as a 16-year-old after impressing in the club’s Elite Training Program during the 2017 season and 2018 preseason. Not only the first signing for SAFC’s ETP program, he would also go on to be the club’s youngest signing at the time.
 
The homegrown midfielder announced himself in stunning fashion during his debut which also marked his first professional start in June 2018 against Sacramento Republic FC. Bryant gathered the ball near the midfield line on the SAFC side of the pitch before lacing a perfectly weighted chip to an unmarked César Elizondo. The striker placed a curling effort past the keeper as Bryant notched his first professional assist.
 
Later in the summer, in August 2018, Bryant would again produce an iconic play just six days after turning 17. Against the then Seattle Sounders 2, SAFC’s Lance Laing surged the ball up the left flank before drilling a cross into the box. Bryant, who was drifting up the center into the box, turned on the burners and put his foot through the cross to catch the volley perfectly. The ball arched off his foot and rattled the bottom of the crossbar as it ricocheted over the goal line, into the ground, and rocketed back up into the top netting.
“We want local young players to litter our roster and we have started working on that process with Damian Gallegos and Ty Johnson,” Sawatzky said. “Ethan represents a nationally recognized young player with great experience and drive. He is hungry to play and compete and his character fits the culture we are looking for long term here in Richmond.  We brought him here to compete on day one to play in games for us as we compete for the USL League One playoffs. He is gritty, technically gifted, and he brings a swagger to our group.” 
 
Following 16 USL Championship appearances for San Antonio FC with 1,225 minutes played, three assists and two goals, Bryant made a permanent move to Belgian Second Division side, K.S.V. Roeselare in August 2019. He trained with the first team, making the bench on several occasions, and he played with the reserve and U23 teams.
Following K.S.V. Roeselare folding in 2020, Bryant would make his return to San Antonio FC late in the 2020 USL Championship season and make two appearances before signing a new deal for 2021.
 
“[The coaching staff at San Antonio] mentioned that the Kickers were interested, and Darren reached out to me,” Bryant said. “He put out a plan, and I really liked what he had to say. I’m happy to be here in Richmond.
 
“I want to help the team in any way I can. There’s a good foundation here and I think we’re moving in the right way. I just want to help in any way I can — goals, assists, good performances. I think I’m fully prepared to do that because of the experiences I’ve had. I’m ready to show it now.”
The Kickers return home, Saturday night, at City Stadium when they host New England Revolution II for the third time this season and the second time at City Stadium in 2021. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streamed on ESPN+.
 
TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers have signed midfielder Ethan Bryant on loan from San Antonio FC of the USL Championship for the remainder of the 2021 USL League One season on August 12, 2021.

Match Recap: Kickers fall to Toronto FC II in Canada

TORONTO — The Richmond Kickers (5-6-5) put in a herculean defensive effort but fell short on the road against a surging Toronto FC II (6-5-6) who were enjoying all the benefits of finally being back at their home ground across the border, Friday evening. New signing Ty Johnson made his professional debut while Devante Dubose made his first appearance for the Kickers since a knee injury suffered a year ago.

Toronto started the match on the front foot with an intensely pressing offense. With the ball on the wing, Toronto played a cross into the six-yard box and Juan Pablo Monticelli went to clear the ball out of the area but it took an awkward deflection into the back of the Richmond goal bringing the scoreline to 1-0. 

At the 23-minute-mark, Nil Vinyals was taken down in the box, and Richmond was awarded a penalty. The Spaniard stepped up to take the penalty, sent the keeper diving wildly to the wrong side, and slotted it into the right corner, leveling the scoreline 1-1. 

Shortly after Vinyals’ goal, he was on the receiving end of a great cross by Luke Pavone and threw himself in the air for a diving header at goal, but Toronto’s Colin Patterson-Sewell was able to keep it out of the back of the net. With the first half coming to a close there was still much to be played for, with Richmond absorbing Toronto’s pressure and breaking on the counter.

The second half began and both teams continued to play their same style of physical play. Neither side granted one another the space to get in behind and find the back of the net once more. Around the 55th minute, Richmond was awarded a free kick outside of the Toronto box. Vinyals stood over the ball and sent a curling ball aimed at Jalen Crisler who beat his mark and reached the ball in the air but his attempt went just over the crossbar. 

Following a bout of Toronto possession, Akira Fitzgerald made a pair of spectacular, acrobatic saves, denying Toronto a go-ahead goal. But Toronto’s attack would continue to press at the Richmond goal and Antonio Carlini curled a near point-blank shot that beat Fitzgerald to bring the scoreline to 2-1. 

In the 73rd minute, Cameron Vickers, who came off the bench, played a perfectly-lofted through-ball pass that hit Jonathan Bolanos right in stride. As Patterson-Sewell came out to collect, he misread the situation, and Bolanos was free to take a shot on an empty goal from a difficult angle but the ball caught the wrong side of the post and rebounded out of play. 

The Reds would continue to push for an equalizer, but Toronto was able to see out the remainder of the match.

While the Reds were without some regular starters because of Canadian travel restrictions, the squad embodied once again the next-man-up mentality. Nathan Aune put in a strong shift out of position in the midfield and more advanced areas while Johnson earned his debut and Dubose came in for his first taste of action since July 2020. Mumbi Kwesele earned another appearance in the second half as he continues to regain match fitness following a preseason knock, and Monticelli made his first start in a month after returning from a knock taken against North Texas SC on July 3.

The Reds return to City Stadium for some home-cooking to face New England Revolution II for the clubs’ third matchup this season. Richmond has the advantage in the season series after earning a 3-0 win on the road in the season opener and a 3-2 result at City Stadium back in June. The match presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Stay up to date with the latest news from the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com and on the official team app.

BOX SCORE

 

First Half

Second Half

Final

Richmond

1

0

1

Toronto

1

1

2

 

LINEUPS

Richmond: Akira Fitzgerald, Jalen Crisler, Chris Cole ( 84’ – Devante Dubose), Luke Pavone, Juan Pablo Monticelli, Nathan Aune ( 64’ – Cameron Vickers), Matthew Bolduc, Victor Falck ( 76’ – Mumbi Kwesele), Jonathan Bolanos, Nil Vinyals, Stanley Alves ( 76’ – Ty Johnson)
 
Unused Substitutes: Austin Causey, Damian Gallegos, Samuel Solomon, 



Toronto: Caleb Patterson-Sewell, Kevin Politz, Antony Curic, Luca Petrasso, Kobe Franklin, Steffen Yeates( 57’ – Julian Altobelli), Kosi Thompson, Dante Campbell, Antonio Carlini, Jayden Nelson (87’ – Rohan Goulbourne), Garrett McLaughlin ( 74’ – Erickson Gallardo). 

Unused Substitutes: Mehdi Essoussi, Themi Antonoglou, Andreas Vaikla, Nakye Greenidge-Duncan

STATISTICS

 

Shots

Saves

Fouls

Corners

Richmond

7

8

16

0

Toronto

14

1

9

7

 

SCORING SUMMARY

16’

25’

69’ 

TOR

RIC

TOR

Monticelli (OG)

Vinyals (P)

Carlini

 

CAUTIONS SUMMARY

32’

52’

53’

TOR

RIC

TOR

Carlini

Falck

Campbell

58’

88’

89’

90’ 

RIC

TOR

RIC

RIC

Aune

Golbourne

Bench

Monticelli

 

EJECTIONS SUMMARY

None       

MATCH INFORMATION

Referee: Scott Bowman
Asst. Referee: Camille Raymond, Paulin Junior Vanie
4th Official: Fabrizio Stasiola
Attendance: N/A
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 79 ºF
 

Match Preview: Kickers Head to Canada to Face Toronto FC II

Match Information:

Toronto FC II vs Richmond Kickers
BMO Training Ground, Toronto, Canada
Friday, August 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Broadcast Information
Internet: ESPN+
TV (Local): WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206/Verizon FiOS 466)
Spanish Radio: WULT Ultra 94.1FM and 1540AM
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (5-5-5) are back on the road after a short-lived return to City Stadium as the Reds head north of the border to match up against Toronto FC II (5-6-5) for the first time since the 2019 season. 
 
Richmond’s previous match was their first against FC Tucson since the 2020 season. The match began with the two sides battling to find space and score with Tucson’s wingers creating space on the wings but not finding the final product. 
 
Then, around the 18th minute, Victor Falck played a perfectly-weighted through-ball to Emiliano Terzaghi in the penalty area. Terzaghi was taken down in the box and the head official pointed to the spot. Terzaghi stepped up, sent the keeper in the wrong direction, and slotted the penalty into the side netting adding a ninth to his season goal tally — good for a share of second place in the tightly-contested golden boot race.
 
Richmond defended courageously to shutout Tucson and earn a clean sheet at home. Despite Tucson’s numerous attempts at creating that extra something that could turn the tides, Akira Fitzgerald and the Richmond defense would not break. Tucson had 30 shots and majority possession with 67.5% but Fitzgerald made eight saves, and the team combined to make six blocks, 34 clearances, and 22 tackles. Richmond’s win at home boosted them back to the top half of the table, currently tied in points with Toronto and South Georgia Tormenta FC. 
Toronto’s last match was their first home match of 2021 that was actually at home in Canada. Toronto has had a unique start to the 2021 season as they’ve navigated the Canadian regulations in regards to allowing sports teams into the country. The MLS affiliate had their home games split between two different venues in Arizona and Florida before being allowed to return home to Canada in late July. Their first true home match was against Greenville Triumph SC and resulted in a 0-0 draw. Toronto’s record in the last five games is 2-2-1 and their form follows a similar pattern to that of the Kickers. 
 
The last time Richmond faced Toronto FC II was way back in October of 2019. Toronto is currently tied with Richmond in points but sits just above in the table due to goal differential. The Reds also have a game in hand versus Toronto making this matchup a crucial one for both sides.
Richmond’s next match will be a return to City Stadium presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond to take on New England Revolution II for the third time of the 2021 season. The Reds have scored six against the Revs this season and won both of their matches. Richmond will look to turn the double into a triple over the Revs, next Saturday, August 14. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:30 p.m. 
 
Don’t miss a moment of the 2021 season at City Stadium with your Kickers+ subscription. Kickers+ is a brand new subscription service for the 2021 season that provides fans tons of value, flexibility, and sweet perks! Sign up today for only $39.99 – Kickers+ benefits include 50% off tickets to any regular-season home match, 15% off merchandise at shop.https://www.richmondkickers.com, exclusive digital content, member events, and more! Click here for more info and to join today!
 
Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at www.richmondkickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

Richmond Kickers

Chris Cole (#3) was a midseason addition to the Richmond squad following a successful trial period beginning in the preseason. Although not initially a starter, Cole has proven to be a more than capable outside back that will provide Coach Sawatzky hard decisions as the squad is reinforced by guys returning from injury. Since taking on a role on the backline, Cole has made 12 clearances, 12 interceptions and has flashed offensive talent in the attack as well, all while starting the last five games for the Kickers.
 
Jonathan Bolanos (#17) has scored two goals and earned an assist this season but has continued to be a menace for opposing defenders on the wings. Furthermore, Bolanos’ ability to take the ball into dangerous areas has allowed the forward to win fouls in dangerous areas. Most notably, Bolanos carried the ball up to the edge of the penalty area before drawing a foul against Union Omaha that set up the free kick in which the Reds equalized. Bolanos has taken 15 shots and was the season-opening goalscorer for the Kickers.
 
Akira Fitzgerald (#1) has the second-highest save success rate (74.2) in the top half of the table right now and leads the league in saves with 49 saves. Fitzgerald earned his fifth clean sheet of the season this past weekend against FC Tucson and continues to show his veteran status and fortitude between the sticks.

Toronto FC II

Garrett McLaughlin (#49) is Toronto’s leading goalscorer with eight goals. McLaughlin also is the team leader in shots taken with 35, and he will be looking to continue taking as many opportunities to increase his goal tally. McLaughlin has averaged a goal every 127.4 minutes up to this point in the season.
 
Caleb Patterson-Sewell (#40) is the only other goalkeeper in the top half of the table with a higher save success rate (78.4) than Akira Fitzgerald (74.2). He’s saved 29 shots but only held one clean sheet.
 
Kevin Politz (#64) has played over 1000 minutes with Toronto this season and seems to be a cemented starter for the side. Politz leads the team in clearances (48) and interceptions (13). Politz also has a passing accuracy of 92.9%. Toronto will lean on the defender to help retain some points this weekend.

Kickers sign Richmond United Midfielder Ty Johnson

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of Richmond United midfielder Ty Johnson to a USL Academy contract, pending league and federation approval.
 
“We are excited for Ty to have this opportunity with the Richmond Kickers pro team,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He had an excellent year with Richmond United and he has come in and trained hard with us.”
 
Johnson (17), a rising senior at Matoaca High School, is already committed to join Head Coach Carlos Somoano’s squad at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Fall 2022. 
 
“It’s been an amazing experience to get in with the Kickers’ pro team and being able to see what the next level is like and get a taste of it and a feel for it,” Johnson said. “It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to sign and to play with them and be a part of the team.”
The midfielder has been a member of the Richmond United academy since U14 after a stint with Richmond Strikers at the U13 level. The Chesterfield native previously played soccer with Chesterfield United until U12.
 
“We are so happy for Ty to become the second Academy signing this season,” ECNL Director Sascha Görres said. “His development this season alone has been incredible. Every day he brings 100 percent to whatever he does and never ever makes an excuse. He earned this opportunity and we know he will represent Richmond well.“
 
An intelligent midfielder capable of cycling play out wide when on the ball or making penetrating forward runs off the ball, Johnson thrives in the number 10 role and has trained with the Kickers’ first team since the beginning of the summer.
“Ty is a competitor and is very coachable,” Sawatzky said. “He trained himself into this opportunity and we expect him to compete for game opportunities as he grows.
 
“He has handled the time he has been with the pro team with great character and a humble approach.  This fits into the type of player we want with the Kickers.”

The Kickers return to action, Friday afternoon, at BMO Training Ground when they face Toronto FC II for the first time in Canada since the 2019 season. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466), streamed on ESPN+, and broadcasted on the radio in Spanish on WULT 94.1 FM and 1540 AM.

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers have signed midfielder Ty Johnson to a USL Academy contract for the 2021 USL League One season on August 5, 2021.

Match Recap: Richmond Defeats Tucson at Home With a Clean Sheet

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Kickers (5-5-5) earned a courageous 1-0 win in front of the biggest crowd so far in 2021 at City Stadium against FC Tucson (4-6-4) after Emiliano Terzaghi converted a penalty kick in the first half to secure the lead and the entire team held on to earn their fifth clean sheet of the season.

The match kicked off on a gorgeous, sunny, Richmond evening at City Stadium and, only four minutes into the match, the Reds played a ball from their backfield into Jonathan Bolanos who pulled off a dastardly croqueta to beat two Tucson defenders and gallop at their box before he laid it off to Nil Vinyals who switched the ball back over to Victor Falck. Falck took a second to stand over the ball and rip a shot at FC Tucson’s Wallis Lapsley, but the keeper was able to deflect the shot away from goal. 

In the 19th minute, the Kickers advanced the ball up the center of the park. Falck saw Terzaghi making a move past his marker, and the Swede played a perfectly-weighted through ball to Terzaghi who was in on goal. The Tucson defender was left to foul the reigning MVP and the head official pointed to the spot. Terzaghi gracefully sent the keeper the wrong way and converted for his ninth goal of the season, bringing the scoreline to 1-0 in the Reds’ favor. 

With the match progressing and FC Tucson trying to find space to equalize, Richmond were granted more space to pass and run in the Tucson final third. Around the 28th minute, Zaca Moran sent a corner kick into the box that Terzaghi leaped in the air for and flicked at the goal behind him but it went just over the crossbar. Richmond saw out the first 45 minutes on top. 

With the second half underway, tensions were high and Tucson were out to level the scoreline. Tucson retained possession for a series of free kicks and close shots at goal but Akira Fitzgerald and the defense were more than capable of quelling the Tucson attacking line. 

In the 63rd minute, Tucson made a dashing run into the Richmond box and took a shot which Fitzgerald deflected away, but Tucson was able to recoup and let another shot off. Fitzgerald held his line and his patience would get the best of the exchange, successfully stopping a dangerous Tucson attack in its tracks and adding to one of his eight saves on the evening.

Over an hour underway and FC Tucson would not let up, but Fitzgerald, who made several saves up to this point in the match had his eyes set on a clean sheet. With the game coming to a close the fourth official indicated five minutes of stoppage time. Tucson would throw their team forward in an all-out attempt to level the scoreline in extra time but the defense and Fitzgerald stood on their heads when they had to and wrapped the matchup with a clean sheet.

The Reds are back on the road to face Toronto FC II for the first time this season. Toronto FC II have been playing away from their home stadium for the first half of the season but will welcome the Reds to Canada, Friday, Aug. 6. Kickoff for the match is set for 4:00 p.m. E.T. 

Stay up to date with the latest news from the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com and on the official team app.

BOX SCORE

 

First Half

Second Half

Final

Richmond

1

0

1

Tucson

0

0

0

 

LINEUPS

Richmond: Akira Fitzgerald, Chris Cole, Ivan Magalhães, Jalen Crisler, Esteban Calvo, Zaca Moran, Victor Falck, Nil Vinyals( 63’ – Matt Bolduc), Stanley Alves( 75’ – Luke Pavone), Emiliano Terzaghi( 87’ – Oalex Anderson), Jonathan Bolanos( 75’ – Hernan Gonzalez)

Unused Substitutes: Austin Causey, Nathan Aune, Cam Vickers


Tucson: Wallis Lapsley, Kaelon Fox, Dakota Barnathan( 74’ – Giovanni Calixtro), Manuel Ferriol( 73’ – Joao Delgado), Noah Franke, Daniel Bedoya, Charlie Dennis, Maximiliano Schenfeld, Shak Adams( 68’ – Kevin Rodríguez), Tobenna Uzo, Deri Corfe

Unused Substitutes: Ryan Shellow, Luca Mastrantonio, Alex Knox, Franco Pérez


STATISTICS

 

Shots

Saves

Fouls

Corners

Richmond

9

8

15

3

Tucson

30

1

13

10

 

SCORING SUMMARY

19’

RIC

Terzaghi

 

CAUTIONS SUMMARY

32’

44’

52’

52’

57’

77’

86’

90’+1

90’+5

TUC

TUC

RIC

RIC

TUC

TUC

RIC

TUC

RIC

Bedoya

Schenfield

Alves

Magalhães

Uzo

Ferriol

Fitzgerald

Corfe

Pavone

 

EJECTIONS SUMMARY

None

MATCH INFORMATION
Referee: JC Griggs
Asst. Referee: Jeffrey Skinker, Caleb Fearing
4th Official: Andrew Charron
Attendance: 2,641
Weather: Sunny, 80 ºF

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