USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Take Historic Victory Over Premier League Side in Friendly

Published on July 16, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers recorded a historic victory on Saturday night as they beat Premier League side, Swansea City AFC, 2-0 in front of 7,128 fans at City Stadium. The goals came either side of the half, the first from an own goal off of a Brian Ownby cross and the second coming from Anthony Grant after Jackson Eskay played him through on goal.

In the eighth minute of the game the Kickers had the first opportunity. Brian Ownby found himself in space in the box and fired a low shot across goal, but Swansea goalie, Kris Nordfeldt, came off his line and would dive low to block Ownby's shot.

The Kickers then took the lead from a Swansea City own goal in the 11th minute. Brian Ownby crossed the ball towards the six-yard box forcing Jordi Amat to direct the ball in the back of his own net, giving the Kickers a 1-0 lead.

Due to severe thunderstorms the game was forced to pause in the 42nd minute. Immediately following the restart, the Kickers tested the new lineup from Swansea City, as they made 11 changes. First came an effort from Luiz Fernando that was parried wide by the Gerhard Tremmel, then a minute later Chris Durkin forced the goalie into a second save with a header following a corner kick.

Gerhard Tremmel was again put to the test by Richmond. Anthony Grant found himself one on one with the keeper, but Tremmel forced the save and would parry the ball out for a corner kick.

Swansea City came within inches of the equalizer after great build up play. Nathan Dyer received the ball inside box and would first time play a delightful ball towards the penalty spot, that the on rushing Jack Cork would side foot just wide of Worra's post.

Kickers doubled their lead in the 74th minute. Jackson Eskay carried the ball from midfield and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Anthony Grant, who made no mistake in front of goal and slotted past the Swansea keeper.

D.C. United loanee, Travis Worra, came up with a big save in the 83rd minute. Ollie McBurnie found himself in one on one with Worra and tried to lift the ball over the keeper, but Worra was able to make himself big and stop the chance.

This game marked the third year in a row that the Richmond Kickers played against a Premier League side, with Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion playing at City Stadium.

The Richmond Kickers will be back in action Saturday, July 23rd when the host Toronto FC II at City Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 16, 2016


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