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Richmond Kickers

Kickers Score Three First Half Goals to Down Defending Champs Tormenta

April 30, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond Kickers battle South Georgia Tormenta FC
Richmond Kickers battle South Georgia Tormenta FC
(Richmond Kickers)

STATESBORO, Ga. - - The Richmond Kickers (2-1-2, 8 pts) recorded their first multi-goal match of the USL League One season as they earned a decisive 3-1 win over the defending champions, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Saturday night.

Nathan Aune, Justin Sukow, and Emiliano Terzaghi all scored their first goals of the league season while Sukow's goal also marked his first as a member of the Kickers.

Despite making a second road trip in four days and waiting for an additional hour-plus to kick off because of inclement weather in the area, the first half was all Kickers.

In the 7th minute, the Kickers earned a corner kick and Sukow delivered a ball into the mixer. Tormenta cleared the ball out with a header but only to the top of the box. Zaca Moran collected the ball and laced a ball back toward the direction of Aune who deftly redirected the ball past the keeper and into the net.

It marked the second-straight match that Aune has scored at Tormenta Stadium after scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in October 2022 that set the Kickers up to clinch the regular-season title one match later.

The visitors would keep the pressure up and doubled their lead in the 41st minute. Kharlton Belmar received the ball on the left wing and deftly flicked the ball over two closing defenders to Michael Hornsby who found space on the other side of the Tormenta players. The left back dribbled into the box and played a low cross that skidded across the goal mouth to Sukow who easily guided a shot in the net to open his Kickers' scoring account.

The nail in the coffin would meet Terzaghi's hammer in the second minute of first-half stoppage after the Kickers drew a penalty a couple of yards outside of the top of the box.

Terzaghi stood over the ball alone and hit a wicked curling shot on target that bent around the defensive wall before flying back inside of the keeper who was diving the other way and could only get a foot in front of the ball as it ricocheted into the net.

Richmond finished the first half with seven shots and four on target while Tormenta mustered four shots with zero on target. The Roos earned 51 percent of the possession and won over 52 percent of their duels including eight possessions won in the final third.

In the second half, the Kickers leaned on their defensive prowess that had earned important results in the early part of the season. Richmond played off the ball, only having a shade over 28 percent of the possession, but the Kickers were tenacious, winning nine of their 12 tackles while shutting down Tormenta's clear chances as the hosts mustered 16 shots but only placed two on target.

Tormenta eventually got one back in the 82nd minute after a solo curling effort from Kingsford Adjei from outside of the box. However, they would not find much joy after and the match would end after an additional four minutes of stoppage time.

With the win, the Kickers moved into fifth place as they catch up to the rest of the league in games played. They now sit level on points and goal differential with fourth-place Union Omaha.

The Kickers return home to host Union Omaha on Friday, May 5th during the team's Cinco de Mayo Celebration presented by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Doors are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For a cost as low as $10 per match, Kickers fans can save the most with Season Tickets while unlocking exclusive perks and experiences. With one additional regular season match and two new opponents joining USL League One in 2023, City Stadium will be the place to be! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.

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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Richmond Kickers battle South Georgia Tormenta FC
Richmond Kickers battle South Georgia Tormenta FC
   

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