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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Fall to League Leaders NCFC

August 19, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond Kickers' Simon Fitch in action
Richmond Kickers' Simon Fitch in action
(Richmond Kickers)

RICHMOND, Va. - - The Richmond Kickers (6-9-9, 27 pts) fell at home, Saturday night, to league leaders North Carolina FC (13-4-5, 44 pts).

Richmond native, Simon Fitch, netted his first professional goal from a corner kicker in the second half as the Kickers mounted a comeback attempt in front of a vibrant crowd of over 5,500 fans.

NCFC opened the scoring in the 16th minute from a corner kick of their own. Jaden Servania played an inswinging ball that found former Kicker, Oalex Anderson, at the near post who flicked the ball into the net.

The Kickers nearly found an equalizer 14 minutes later after NCFC conceded a handball on the edge of the penalty area. Nil Vinyals set up for a free kick at the top of the box and drilled an attempt that deflected off the wall and toward the goal. Emiliano Terzaghi, with a split-second reaction, got a foot to the deflection, but the NCFC keeper was there to stop the shot before it rolled in.

NCFC found a second goal a couple of minutes out of the halftime break as Rafa Mentzingen found Anderson on the left wing. Anderson shot the ball that deflected off a Richmond defender's legs and took an awkward bounce to find the back of the net in the 53rd minute.

The visitors found their final goal of the night in the 81st minute as Mikey Maldonado put back a deflected clearance.

In the 86th minute, Vinyals served up Fitch from the left corner. The midfielder played an inswinging ball into the six-yard box as Fitch, with his back to goal, rose up and flicked the ball backward past the keeper and into the net.

The assist marked Vinyals' team-high fourth of the season.

The Kickers are on the road next Saturday, August 26th at Lexington SC for the third and final meeting of the season against one of USL League One's debutants. Kickoff for the match is set for 7 p.m. The club will host an official watch party at the Ardent Barrel Room.

The Roos then return home Wednesday, August 30th to host Central Valley Fuego FC on RVA Community Night presented by Broadbent Selections. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus.

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

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Images from this story

Richmond Kickers' Simon Fitch in action
Richmond Kickers' Simon Fitch in action
   



United Soccer League One Stories from August 19, 2023


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