NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Richmond Kickers

Kickers Home Opener this Saturday against Forward Madison

August 7, 2020 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers (0-1-1) 2020 Home Opener, presented by Woodfin is this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. as they host league rivals Forward Madison FC (0-1-1). A limited number of single match tickets are available now at RichmondKickers.com/Tickets. The match will air live on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466) and streaming on ESPN+.

The fourth edition of the already lively rivalry between the Kickers and the 'Mingos sees both sides seeking their first wins after scrappy 0-1-1 starts to the abridged 2020 season. Better known as the Henny Derby as created by the black supporters of both clubs, bragging rights for the season are on the line with the League One Final as the only other opportunity for the teams to face each other this season.

Richmond closed out a two-match road trip last Tuesday night, earning their first point of the season in a 0-0 draw at South Georgia Tormenta FC. Akira Fitzgerald put up a man of the match performance with eight saves en route to the first clean sheet of the season -- a performance later awarded with a Team of the Week nod from the USL. The Kickers came close on a couple of occasions from both Ryley Kraft and Emiliano Terzaghi that forced worldly saves from the Tormenta keeper. Now, the team is raring to open their City Stadium campaign after the original home opener on Aug. 1 against Fort Lauderdale CF was postponed to a later date.

Madison opened its season with a 2-1 loss at 2019 League One Champions North Texas SC. The FC Dallas-affiliated North Texas took an early 11th minute lead before Madison's marquee 2020 offseason signing Wojciech Wojcik scored from close-range -- a signature of the forward's. However, North Texas would regain the lead thanks to the efforts of 2019 Golden Boot winner Ronaldo Damus who delivered the 2-1 lead that would hold until the final whistle. The following matchweek, Madison would find its first point of the season by holding current league-leaders Greenville Triumph SC to a 0-0 result. Madison was tenacious on defense as it clamped down on a Greenville team that enjoyed five goals in its opening two matches.

The Kickers continue a two match homestand next Saturday night as FC Tucson comes to City Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com/Tickets.

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

WTVR CBS 6 Players to Watch

Richmond: Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) earned his first shutout of the 2020 season last Tuesday night against Tormenta FC behind eight saves, earning him a spot on the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 3. The veteran keeper is coming off a 2019 season that saw him named a finalist for the USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year after nine shutouts. Midfielder Ryley Kraft (#98) has put up a strong effort in the attacking third through the first two matches, including having one of his shots saved at Tormenta that looked to be goal bound. Kraft signed with the Kickers midway through the 2019 season and has been a regular in the lineup since making his debut. Defender Kyle Venter (#12) played his first match for Richmond against Tormenta, playing 54 minutes in his first action for the Kickers. Venter led all of the Kickers completing 86.2 percent of his passes.

Madison: Forward Wojciech Wojcik (#9) scored the lone goal for Madison this season in their season opening loss to 2019 champions North Texas SC. The Poland native signed for the club after 31 appearances for Hartford Athletic, scoring seven goals for the USL Championship side. Defender Connor Tobin (#13) returned to Madison for his second season with the club, playing 90 minutes in both of the opening matches. He joined Madison after five seasons with North Carolina FC, playing in 129 matches. Goalkeeper Philipp Marceta (#1) made his debut for Madison this season, earning his first shutout of the season in the last outing against Greenville. After an extensive career in Austria and Germany, Marceta joined the club after trialing with the Seattle Sounders during the MLS preseason.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League One message board...

United Soccer League One Stories from August 7, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central