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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Bentley's Stoppage-Time Goal Delivers a Hard-Fought Road Point for the Kickers

August 21, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond Kickers versus Central Valley Fuego FC
Richmond Kickers versus Central Valley Fuego FC
(Richmond Kickers)

FRESNO, Calif. - The Richmond Kickers (10-7-5, 35 pts) overcame triple-digit temperatures to score two unanswered goals in the second half including a 93rd-minute equalizer to earn a hard-fought comeback against Central Valley Fuego FC (7-8-6, 27 pts), Saturday night.

In the third minute of second-half stoppage, Owayne Gordon had the ball on the left wing. The sub lasered a cross to the near post as Matthew Bentley crashed towards the post on the outside of his marker. The striker threw his body forward with his right foot extended and deftly flicked the ball into the net to complete the comeback.

Bentley's sixth goal of the season - which ranks second on the Kickers and tied for ninth in USL League One - earned the Kickers their second-stoppage time equalizer in a month after scoring two stoppage-time goals in their win over North Carolina FC on July 27th. It also marked the 14th point of the season that the Kickers have secured from a losing position which leads the league.

The comeback began in the 68th minute during the reset immediately following Fuego's second goal of the night. Stuart Ritchie raced up the left wing and delivered a bouncing cross into the box that Bentley flicked on frame but was deflected by the keeper. As Emiliano Terzaghi gathered the deflection, Fuego's Mitchell North ran through the back of the striker and the head official pointed to the penalty spot.

With smoke still thick in the air from Fuego's goal, Terzaghi calmly sent the keeper the other way and fired his shot into the net to halve the hosts' lead. It was Terzaghi's 12th goal of the season moving him into sole possession of the golden boot race. It was also his 40th USL League One goal which extended his lead as the league's all-time leading scorer.

The match began evenly as the Kickers pinned Fuego back early, ratcheting up the pressure and earning three corner kicks.

Fuego found their footing on the break and drew a foul in the 24th minute just outside of the box on the left side. Victor Falck took the free kick but it only made it as far as the Kickers' defensive wall. However, on the ensuing deflection, Falck caught the ball on the volley and sent it into the net to open the scoring.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 67th minute from a throw-in. Christian Chaney received the ball in the box and squared inside as he fell over. Max Schenfeld ran onto the ball and placed his shot just under the crossbar and into the net.

However, the Kickers would completely turn the match around facing the 2-0 deficit. They finished the second half with 13 touches in the opposition box compared to Fuego's five while the Kickers also took all eight of their second-half shots from inside the box compared to Fuego's one.

The Kickers return home from their two-match away stand on Saturday, Aug. 27 to host defending USL League One champions, Union Omaha. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.

During the match against Omaha, the Kickers will celebrate its 1995 Open Cup victory on the 27th anniversary of defeating the El Paso Patriots in the final. The first 500 fans will receive a t-shirt commemorating the win. Tickets are still available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

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

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Richmond Kickers versus Central Valley Fuego FC
Richmond Kickers versus Central Valley Fuego FC
   



United Soccer League One Stories from August 21, 2022


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