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USL1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Travel to Tormenta FC Saturday

July 17, 2020 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers (0-0-0) open up the 2020 USL League One season this Saturday night, as they travel to Statesboro, Ga. to face South Georgia Tormenta FC (0-0-0). This match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. live from Erk Russell Park, broadcasted live on WTVR CBS 6.3 and on ESPN+.

Saturday's match will be the fourth all-time meeting between the two clubs, with both sides level at a 1-1-1 record. The first meeting came just two weeks into the start of the 2019 USL League One season, with both teams battling to a scoreless draw at City Stadium on April 6. Richmond made their first trek to Erk Russell Park on June 22, which saw the Kickers fall on the road to Tormenta behind an 84th minute penalty. The Kickers would redeem themselves in their next trip to Statesboro on August 31, putting up a decisive 4-1 victory with a pair of braces from Dennis Chin and Joe Gallardo cancelling out an early free kick goal by Mikie Rowe.

The Kickers will come into this match with a different look, starting with new Head Coach and Sporting Director Darren Sawatzky leading the squad. 13 players returned from the 2019 team, led by Goalkeeper of the Year finalist Akira Fitzgerald. Richmond will see 12 new faces on the field this year, including Argentine forward Emiliano Terzaghi and Virginia Tech standout defender Devante Dubose.

Tormenta is back for their second professional season under the guidance of head coach John Miglarese, returning much of their roster from the 2019 season. A familiar face to Richmond fans will be forward Daniel Jackson, who netted four goals and added an assist in 22 matches last season.

Richmond are on the road once again next Saturday night, July 25 as they head down to face Greenville Triumph SC at Legacy Early College at 7:00 p.m.

The 2020 Richmond Kickers Home Opener, presented by Woodfin, is set for Saturday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. as league newcomers Fort Lauderdale CF make their first-ever trip to City Stadium.

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: Back in goal for Richmond this season, goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald (#1) looks to build off a campaign that earned him a nomination for 2019 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year. The veteran keeper had eight clean sheets and made 72 saves for a goals against average of 1.23 last season. One of the big signings during the offseason, forward Emiliano Terzaghi (#32) makes the move to the United States after an extensive career in Argentina. Most notably, he played a majority of his career with Club Atlético Banfield in the Argentine Primera División, including scoring the game-tying goal against Boca Juniors in the final minute of the match. Making the trek back to the East Coast, former Virginia Tech standout Devante Dubose (#67) will make his debut with Richmond after his professional career took him to Arizona, Oklahoma and California after four years in Blacksburg.

South Georgia: After playing last season with the Kickers, forward Daniel Jackson (#11) made the off season move to Tormenta. The Pittsburgh native scored four goals and added an assist in 22 matches for the Kickers last season. Midfielder Abuchi Obinwa (#12) brings a wealth of experience to Tormenta this season. He was signed to Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga before he made the move to the Columbus Crew in 2017. The Columbus native made seven appearances for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on loan before heading back to Europe for a stint in Portugal with Lusitano FC. A player that Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky knows well is forward Devyn Jambga (#16). Before signing with Tormenta, Jambga made 25 appearances for FC Tucson, where he scored five goals and had an assist.

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