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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Fall at North Carolina FC

May 28, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond Kickers and North Carolina FC vie for the ball
Richmond Kickers and North Carolina FC vie for the ball
(Richmond Kickers)

CARY, N.C. - The Richmond Kickers (2-3-2, 8 pts) fought until the end as they took on regional rival North Carolina FC (4-3-1,13 pts) but the match ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts. Emiliano Terzaghi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, netting his fourth goal of the season and his first in over a month.

The Kickers started off strong in the first half as they looked to draw first blood early. Matthew Bentley had a shot on goal in the 6th minute of the game, however, it was saved by North Carolina FC keeper, Will Pulisic.

Another key opportunity presented itself in the 7th minute, with a volley hit by Owayne Gordon off of a cross delivered by Stephen Payne, however, the shot went just over the crossbar.

Seven minutes later, Terzaghi found the back of the net from another cross from Payne, and the Kickers opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Terzaghi received the ball in the middle of the park and carried it forward before laying it off to Payne who raced up the right wing. Payne quickly squared the ball toward the box and Terzaghi crashed in, lacing a one-time shot past Pulisic.

The Kickers continued the pressure, but the hosts found the equalizer against the run of play as Garrett McLaughlin capitalized with a header off a corner kick hit by Luis Arriaga in the 36th minute.

In the 42nd minute, light contact in the Richmond penalty area saw NCFC's Jaden Servaina go down easy and draw the penalty call from the head referee. McLaughlin stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty.

The Roos had another opportunity for a goal just before the half ended with a free kick taken by Nil Vinyals. Nathan Aune was taken down in what appeared to be the NCFC penalty area, but it was ruled that the foul occurred just above the top of the box. Vinyals stepped up to take the free kick at the 18-yard-line, put his shot on frame, but was denied by Pulisic.

The Kickers were relentless in pushing for an equalizer in the second half. The visitors earned 14 corners in the second half while keeping nearly 62 percent of the possession. The Kickers took nine shots in the second half including four inside of the box but they just couldn't find the back of the net.

North Carolina had two big opportunities to add an insurance goal, but Akira Fitzgerald stood tall, denying counterattack opportunities in the 85th minute and in the third minute of stoppage.

The Kickers return home to host Chattanooga Red Wolves SC during Carytown Community Night presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond on Wednesday, June 1. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:30 p.m. The Roos stay at home for another match on Saturday, June 4 during the Dog Days of Summer Night presented by Impawsible Pups. Tickets for both matches are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

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Richmond Kickers and North Carolina FC vie for the ball
Richmond Kickers and North Carolina FC vie for the ball
   



United Soccer League One Stories from May 28, 2022


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