News

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.

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.

Boateng Scores, Kickers Fall at Chattanooga

TEAM	SCORE	GOALSCORERS
CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC (10-8-9, 39 points, 5th)	2	Ualefi (penalty) 24′, Seoane (Zguro) 32′
RICHMOND KICKERS (8-13-5, 29 points, 9th)	1	Boateng (Mwape) 65′

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — (Saturday, September 28, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (8-13-5) were defeated on the road by Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (10-8-9) Saturday night at David Stanton Field. The home side took a 2-0 lead into halftime after a penalty from Ualefi and a goal from Sito Seoane. Charles Boateng pulled a goal back for the Kickers in the second half.

Charles Boateng had a shot blocked four minutes into the match. Maxi Rodriguez sprung Dennis Chin on a run up the left wing. He went for the through ball ahead for Boateng as he was getting into the Chattanooga box. The Ghanian tried for a low, near post shot that the Red Wolves keeper was able to block away.

Three minutes later the Kickers went on the attack again. Josh Hughes knocked down an errant Red Wolves pass and quickly got the ball to Maxi Rodriguez. The midfielder drove into the box looking for the space for a shot. With his angle cut, Rodriguez looked for a cross in front of goal that was deflected away for a corner kick.

The Kickers were reduced to ten men in the 23rd minute, leading to a penalty for Chattanooga. Sito Seoane picked up control of the ball and played a pass through for Amirgy Pineda. Braeden Troyer tried to get back in time to get a block in, instead he fouled Pineda from behind. The referee deemed the play a denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity, sending Troyer off and pointing to the spot. Ualefi stepped up to take the penalty, going to Akira Fitzgerald’s left, despite the keeper guessing correctly,.

Akira Fitzgerald needed to come up with a save only two minutes later. Greg Hurst found space for a run, cutting across the top of the Richmond box, going for a shot. Fitzgerald reacted quickly to deflect the shot that Scott Thomsen eventually cleared from danger.

Chattanooga went up 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Richard Dixon got the play going pushing the ball ahead for Vangjel Zguro. He quickly turned to find Seoane making a run in behind the Kickers backline. He fired a shot inside the near post for the second goal of the night.

Richmond had a chance to get back into the match in the 37th minute. Tony Walls was called for a foul on Josh Hughes on the edge of the Red Wolves box. MaxI Rodriguez took the ensuing free kick, putting it just over the bar.

Eli Lockaby had a sneaking chance in the 57th minute. Receiving the ball out wide, it looked like he was going for a cross in towards the back post. When he hit the ball, it arched in towards the upper right corner. Alex Mangels needed to read the play to come up with the save.

Charles Boateng scored his first goal in league play to get the Kickers on the board in the 65th minute. Maxi Rodriguez won the ball in the Kickers end of the field with enough of a touch to get the ball to Mutaya Mwape. The Zambian picked out Boateng with a picture perfect ball. He settled the ball to put it on his left foot and let a shot rip into the back of the net.

Trying to get his second of the night in the 72nd minute, Charles Boateng was only denied by a save from the Red Wolves keeper. Maxi Rodriguez spotted Boateng on the left wing with acres of space. He cut back to create space around his defender and launched a shot. Alex Mangels needed to come up with the big save to prevent the second goal.

With two minutes to go, the Kickers kept pressuring for the equalizer. Josh Hughes controlled the ball on the left flank and quickly put it into the path of Boateng. He charged towards goal. With no defender pressuring, he put a shot on frame that Mangels needed to stop.

The Kickers will close out the 2019 USL League One season with a two match homestand, first hosting Toronto FC II and Breast Cancer Awareness Night Wednesday, October 2. 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 are available now at www.richmondkickers.com.

BOX SCORE

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FINAL
Chattanooga	2	0	2
Richmond	0	1	1

LINEUPS

Chattanooga GK Alex Mangels, Jonathan Caparelli, Richard Dixon, Andrew Kendall-Moullin, Tony Walls, Ualefi, Josue Soto (82’ – Alexi Jaimes), Amirgy Pineda, Vangjel Zguro (62 ‘ – Juan Mare), Greg Hurst, Sito Seoane

Unused Substitutes: Will Dieterich, Nicholas Amponsah, James Dell, Yaya Cisse, Eamon Zayed

Richmond GK Akira Fitzgerald, Scott Thomsen, Ivan Magalhaes, Braeden Troyer, Eli Lockaby, Jannik Eckenrode (45’ – Matt Bolduc), Maxi Rodriguez, Josh Hughes, Dennis Chin (45’ – Ryley Kraft), Mutaya Mwape (89 ‘ – Daniel Jackson), Charles Boateng

Unused Substitutes: Joe Rice, Nick Retzlaff, Greg Boehme

STATISTICS

TEAM	SHOTS	SAVES	FOULS	CORNERS
Chattanooga	11	3	17	2
Richmond	13	3	16	7

SCORING SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
24′	CHT	Ualefi (penalty)
32′	CHT	Sito Seoane (Vangjel Zguro)
65′	RIC	Charles Boateng (Mutaya Mwape)

CAUTIONS SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
28′	RIC	Jannik Eckenrode
37′	CHT	Andrew Kendall-Moulin
44′	CHT	Vangjel Zguro
74′	CHT	Tony Walls
89′	CHT	Alexi Jaimes
90′	RIC	Maxi Rodriguez

EJECTIONS SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
23′	RIC	Braeden Troyer

MATCH INFORMATION

Referee: Joshua Encarnacion
Assistant Referees: Chris Schurfranz, Zach McWhorter
Fourth Official: Dominic Kennedy

Attendance: 235
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 89 ºF

Kickers Take Final Road Trip of the Season Saturday at Chattanooga

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, September 27, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (8-12-5) will take their final road trip of the 2019 USL League One season Saturday night as they travel to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (9-8-9). Kickoff for this match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming on ESPN+.

Saturday’s match is the fourth meeting between the Kickers and Red Wolves this season, with Chattanooga getting the best of the Kickers this season with a record of 2-1-0. Richmond picked up the first win of the series, 1-0 on April 27 when Chattanooga made the trip to City Stadium for the first time ever. Joe Gallardo netted the game winner in the 52nd minute from an assist by Mutaya Mwape. Chattanooga returned to City Stadium June 15, this time with the visitors taking the 2-0 win. Sito Seoane and Amirgy Pineda scored and assisted on each others goal in the second half to pick up the three points on the road. An early goal cost the Kickers points on the road in their first trip to David Stanton Field. Chattanooga’s leading goal scorer, Steven Beattie struck in the seventh minute for the lone goal of the night.

Richmond battled FC Tucson to a wild scoreless draw on the road last Saturday night. Akira Fitzgerald recorded five saves en route to his eighth shutout of the season, earning him a spot on the USL League One Team of the Week. The story of the night was the red card ejections from both sides. Kyle Venter was shown his second yellow card of the night 75th minute to reduce Tucson to ten men. The sides equalled out nine minutes later when Conor Shanosky was issued a straight red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Richmond would be down to nine men three minutes after the Shanosky red card when Wahab Ackwei was shown his second yellow card of the night. The hard luck continued for the Kickers as Joe Gallardo will also not be available for the match at Chattanooga due to yellow card accumulation.

Chattanooga picked up vital points at home last Saturday night against Orlando City B. Sito Seoane scored off a deflection to put the home side up 1-0 in the 34th minute. In first half stoppage time, Leonardo Simas leveled the score just before the halftime whistle. Red Wolves jumped back in the lead in the 54th minute with a goal from Tony Walls. With the win, Chattanooga stayed alive in the playoff hunt with 34 points, five points off fourth place Forward Madison FC.

Three days later the Kickers will host their final match of the season against Orlando City B and Fan Appreciation Night. 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 for both matches are available now at www.richmondkickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Midfielder Matt Bolduc (#11) is tied for third in USL League One for assists with six this season. He had 42 touches and a passing accuracy of 72.4 percent during last Saturday’s scoreless draw at Tucson. Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) earned a spot in the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 26 after earning his eighth shutout of the season following the 0-0 draw at Tucson. Fitzgerald is second in the league for saves with 69 this season. He is also sitting in fourth for shutouts in the league. Defender Ivan Magalhães (#4) will be relied upon heavily after the absences of both Wahab Ackwei and Conor Shanosky. The Brazilian center back had seven clearances and two interceptions that lead to the Kickers shutout of Tucson on the road.

Chattanooga: Midfielder Amirgy Pineda (#14) was named to the USL League One Team of the Week after assisting on the first goal of the 2-1 win over Orlando City B. He had a goal and assist against the Kickers in the second meeting at City Stadium back on June 15. Defender Tony Walls (#20) was also named to the Team of the Week when he scored the game winning goal against OCB. He has two goals and two assists this season for the Red Wolves. Goalkeeper Alex Mangels (#24) has played every minute in goal for Chattanooga this season, racking up 76 saves. He is sitting just behind Akira Fitzgerald with six shutouts this season.

Fitzgerald Named to USL League One Team of the Week

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, September 24, 2019) – USL League One announced on Tuesday that goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 26 after the 0-0 draw at FC Tucson last Saturday night.

Fitzgerald makes his third appearance in the Team of the Week after picking up his eighth shutout of the season, ranking him fourth in the league. The Richmond keeper made five saves to put him in second overall in USL League One with saves with 69.

The Kickers are back on the road next Saturday night, making their second trip to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. This match will also be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming on ESPN+. Keep up to date with the Kickers at www.richmondkickers.com.

USL League One Team of the Week – Week 26

GK – Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: Fitzgerald recorded a five-save shutout as the Kickers earned a scoreless draw on the road against playoff contender FC Tucson on Saturday night.

D – Christian Diaz, Forward Madison FC: Diaz completed 6 of 7 dribbles, won 17 of 25 duels and made 12 recoveries as Madison recorded a 1-0 victory against North Texas SC on Sunday night.

D – Kevin Coiffic, Lansing Ignite FC: Coiffic completed 85 of 94 passes, won 7 of 8 duels and recorded seven clearances, three interceptions and nine recoveries in Ignite FC’s 1-1 draw with Tormenta FC.

D – Conner Antley, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Antley recorded one assist and three chances created and completed 4 of 4 dribbles while winning two tackles and making two interceptions in South Georgia’s draw with Lansing.

D – Tony Walls, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Walls scored once, had two chances created and made three interceptions, three clearances and four recoveries in the Red Wolves’ victory against Orlando City B.

M – Nick Moon, Lansing Ignite FC: Moon recorded one goal on two shots, had four key passes and made three interceptions and seven recoveries in Lansing’s 1-1 draw against South Georgia Tormenta FC.

M – Paul Clowes, Greenville Triumph SC: Clowes recorded one goal and one assist, had four chances created and completed 43 of 53 passes to lead Greenville past Toronto FC II last Friday night.

M – Carlos Gomez, Greenville Triumph SC: Gomez scored a late goal, completed 21 of 26 passes and won 10 of 11 duels in Triumph SC’s 3-1 victory against Toronto last Friday night.

M – Amirgy Pineda, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Pineda had one assist, completed 25 of 30 passes overall and notched three chances created while also making five recoveries in Chattanooga’s key win against Orlando.

M – J.C. Banks, Forward Madison FC: Banks completed 22 of 27 passes, won 13 of 18 duels and had three key passes to help lead Madison to a 1-0 victory against North Texas SC on Sunday night.

F – Cameron Saul, Greenville Triumph SC: Saul scored once, had three shots overall and completed 11 of 14 passes in Greenville’s 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II on Friday night.

Kickers Settle for Draw in Tucson

TEAM	SCORE	GOALSCORERS
FC TUCSON (8-9-8, 32 points, 7th)	0
RICHMOND KICKERS (8-12-5, 29 points, 8th)	0

TUCSON, Ariz. — (Saturday, September 21, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (8-12-5) battled FC Tucson (8-9-8) to a scoreless draw Saturday night at Kino North Stadium. Akira Fitzgerald earned his eighth shutout of the season behind five saves.

Tucson threatened 17 minutes into the match, narrowly missing. Jose Carlos Terron whipped in a cross from the left side, connecting with Devyn Jambga at the far post. He redirected the ball with a header towards goal, putting it just high and wide of the frame.

Two minutes later, Tucson had a shot saved by Akira Fitzgerald. The pair that combined on the first attempt reversed the play with Jambga making a run up the right wing. He laid the ball off for Terron making a run up the center of the field. He took a touch and tried to put it to the right of Akira Fitzgerald, but the Richmond keeper read the shot correctly, coming up with the save.

Akira Fitzgerald continued to stay busy, making a massive save in the 22nd minute. Terron played the ball quickly to his right for Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu. He took a touch and launched a shot that Fitzgerald needed to parry away.

The Kickers had a shot blocked in the 31st minute. Wahab Ackwei won the ball off a header and started a run up the pitch. He continued his run, getting the ball back from Eli Lockaby. Before he reached the top of the box, Ackwei went to his right for Ryley Kraft. He tried the quick shot only to have it blocked away by Tucson.

Joe Gallardo looked to sneak in a shot in the 50th minute. Taking a free kick quickly, Gallardo sent the ball ahead for Jackson. With four defenders on him quickly, Jackson played the ball wide for Eli Lockaby. AFaking the cross, Lockaby cut the ball back to Gallardo. He elected to go for the shot that skipped just wide of the goal.

Lightning quick reflexes denied Tucson from getting on the board in the 54th minute. Luke Hauswirth picked up control of the ball up the right flank. Taking the space, he let a shot rip, Akira Fitzgerald reacted quickly enough to punch the ball away.

The woodwork stood in the way of Joe Gallardo finding the back of the net in the 56th minute. Gallardo was brought down just outside the top of the Tucson box, setting up a free kick chance. He stood over the free kick, going for the upper 90 as his shot pinged off the crossbar.

Charles Boateng made an immediate impact coming off the bench, forcing a save from the Tucson keeper in the 74th minute. Matt Bolduc cut across the field and sent the ball ahead for Daniel Jackson. The forward took a touch to get it to Boateng. He went for the quick shot that Carlos Merancio needed to stop.

Tucson were reduced to ten men in the 75th minute. Kyle Venter brought down Charles Boateng just outside the box. The referee showed Venter his second yellow card to send him off. Scott Thomsen took the ensuing free kick, sneaking a low shot towards the far post that Merancio saved.

The Kickers would also see red in the 85th minute with Conor Shanosky receiving a straight red card. Romane Howell got on a break away run. Shanosky came over for the tackle. With him being the last defender, the referee went for the red card.

Richmond would see red again two minutes later. Wahab Ackwei was issued his second yellow card for an off the ball foul, having the Kickers finish the match off with nine players.

Heading into stoppage time, the Kickers held strong with a massive defensive display to preserve the road shutout.

BOX SCORE

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FINAL
Tucson	0	0	0
Richmond	0	0	0

LINEUPS

Tucson GK Carlos Merancio, Lamar Batista, Kyle Venter, Kody Wakasa, Luke Hauswirth, Erik Virgen, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (45’ – Colin Stripling), Ramone Howell, Jose Carlos Terron ( 83’ – Guillermo Delgado), Devyn Jambga (83’ – Zach Wright), Jordan Jones

Unused Substitutes: Rafael Guerrero, Scott DeVoss, Karsten Hanlin, Eti Taveres

Richmond GK Akira Fitzgerald, Ivan Magalhães, Conor Shanosky, Wahab Ackwei, Scott Thomsen, Braeden Troyer (87’ – Josh Hughes), Eli Lockaby, Matt Bolduc (85’ – Mutaya Mwape), Ryley Kraft (72’ – Charles Boateng), Daniel Jackson, Joe Gallardo

Unused Substitutes: Joe Rice, Nick Retzlaff, Maxi Rodriguez

STATISTICS

TEAM	SHOTS	SAVES	FOULS	CORNERS
Tucson	21	3	15	4
Richmond	9	5	7	2

SCORING SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
None.

CAUTIONS SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
38′	RIC	Joe Gallardo
55′	TUC	Kyle Venter
70′	TUC	Ramone Howell
71′	RIC	Wahab Ackwei
75′	TUC	Kyle Venter
87′	RIC	Wahab Ackwei

EJECTIONS SUMMARY

MIN	TEAM	PLAYER
75′	TUC	Kyle Venter
84′	RIC	Conor Shanosky
87′	RIC	Wahab Ackwei

MATCH INFORMATION

Referee: Reyna Fonseca
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Gastelum, Bennett Savage
Fourth Official: Benjamin Davis

Attendance: 640
Weather: Sunny, 85 ºF

Kickers Head to Tucson Saturday Night

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, September 20, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers (8-12-4) make the cross-country trip to face FC Tucson (8-9-7) Saturday night at Kino Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. The match will be available live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and on ESPN+.

This will be the third meeting this season between the Kickers and Tucson, with Richmond holding a slight 1-0-1 advantage. The first time these two teams met was back on May 11, which saw Joe Gallardo put the Kickers ahead with seven minutes to go until stoppage time. Mutaya Mwape added an insurance goal in stoppage time to give the Kickers the 2-0 victory at City Stadium. Nearly a month later, Richmond took the trip to Kino Sports Complex, with both teams battling to a scoreless draw. Akira Fitzgerald made two saves in the shutout.

Richmond will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive after falling to Forward Madison FC at City Stadium last Saturday night. The visitors jumped ahead after just six minutes when Josiel Nunez got a cross off just before reaching the endline for Christian Diaz to put away for the lone goal of the match.

Tucson is coming off back to back shutout losses for the first time this season, most recently a 0-4 road loss to Greenville Triumph SC on the road at Legacy Early College. Carlos Gomez found the back of the net twice along with Aaron Walker converting from the penalty spot to give Triumph SC a 3-0 lead heading into halftime. Gomez completed his hat trick in the 87th minute for the final goal of the match.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Named to the USL League One Team of the Week, defender Wahab Ackwei (#18) made 78 passes and completed 88.5 percent of those. Ackwei made seven clearances and had five interceptions in that same match, to go with his one clearance and six interceptions last Tuesday at North Texas. Defender Conor Shanosky (#5) showed why he is a staple in the Kickers back line, having won seven of his ten duels against Madison Saturday night. Shanosky completed 85.7 percent of his 85 passes during the match. Forward Dennis Chin (#15) is poised to reignite the Richmond offense after his two most recent goals at Tormenta FC. The Jamaican recorded four shots over his last two matches, narrowly being denied two chances on the road at North Texas SC.

Tucson: Forward Jordan Jones (#99) leads Tucson in scoring with seven goals and tied for first with three assists in 18 appearances this season. That goal talley has him tied for eighth in USL League One. Midfielder Devyn Jambga (#16) has five goals in 22 matches this season. Jambga went 90 minutes in the road loss at Greenville, completing 70 percent of his 20 passes. Defender Lamar Batista (#22) has 55 clearances for Tucson over his 15 appearances this season. In his last outing at Greenville, Batista had a team high 52 passes, seven tackles and four clearances.

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