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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Make the Trip to Forward Madison for the First Time Saturday

August 9, 2019 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - - The Richmond Kickers (5-9-3) will take their first trip to Breese Stevens Field to take on Forward Madison FC (6-7-4) Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on ESPN+.

This match will be the first-ever meeting between the Kickers and Forward Madison. The two clubs will meet in Madison in two weeks when the Kickers return to Breese Stevens Field August 24. Forward Madison FC will take their first trip to City Stadium September 14 for the third and final meeting this season.

Richmond will look to keep their momentum going after a 2-1 victory on the road at Toronto FC II back on July 26. The Kickers went behind in the 19th minute after Matthew Srbely headed home a cross from Noble Okello. Scott Thomsen sent in a free kick in the 35th minute that seemed to be intended for Wahab Ackwei as the Toronto keeper came out to make the grab. The ball slipped through his hands and across the line to level the score for Richmond. A penalty was called in favor of Richmond after Joe Gallardo was brought down inside the box. Gallardo stepped up, only to have his penalty saved. Josh Hughes pounced on the loose ball and slotted it past Eric Klenofsky for the game winner in the 48th minute.

Madison extended their win streak to three matches after picking up a 1-0 win over FC Tucson at Breese Stevens Field. Just before halftime, Josiel Núñez connected with Don Smart to score the lone goal of the match. Brian Sylvestre recorded two saves en route to his first shutout of the season and the team's third.

The Kickers will be back at City Stadium Saturday, August 17 to host Toronto FC II and Family Fest, presented by WTVR CBS 6. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. when the gates open with half off craft beer, plus live music from the Cary Street Ramblers. CBS 6 and Star Auto Sales will be giving away two used cars on the main concourse for anyone who registers at the stadium. Fans can receive an extra entry for bringing in new clothing to donate to Communities in Schools. Get loud with the Red Army when the Kickers take the field at 7:00 p.m. to take on Toronto FC II. Tickets are available now at RichmondKickers.com.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richmond: Fresh off his USL League One Team of the Week nomination, midfielder Josh Hughes (#7) will look to continue his hot play. Hughes scored the game-winning goal at Toronto on July 26th and is an anchor in the midfield when he's in the game. Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) will be back between the pipes on Saturday evening as he returns from his one game suspension. In his last start, Fitzgerald shut out Orlando City B for 85 minutes until he was forced to exit the match. The Richmond goaltender has made 40 saves this season, good for fourth most in USL League One. Forward Dennis Chin (#15), after scoring the lone goal against Orlando City B, had two shots in the 2-1 win at Toronto. The Kingston, Jamaica native is third on the team in shots (12) and has three goals, second only to Joe Gallardo (4).

Madison: Picking up goal of the week honors after his game winner last week, midfielder Don Smart (#7) leads Madison with seven goals in 18 matches this season. That tally ties him with Ricardo Pepi of North Texas SC in fifth overall in scoring for the league. Tied with Smart with four assists this season, forward Paulo Jr. (#11) has made 19 appearances for Madison and added four goals. His four assists has him level with seven other players in fourth overall in USL League One, including Kickers midfielder Matt Bolduc. Former Kickers midfielder Brandon Eaton (#6) has made eight appearances for his new club, including five starts. The product of VCU scored his first goal for Madison in their First Round match up against the Milwaukee Bavarians in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

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