Match Information:
Toronto FC II vs Richmond Kickers
BMO Training Ground, Toronto, Canada
Friday, August 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Broadcast Information
Internet: ESPN+
TV (Local): WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206/Verizon FiOS 466)
Spanish Radio: WULT Ultra 94.1FM and 1540AM
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (5-5-5) are back on the road after a short-lived return to City Stadium as the Reds head north of the border to match up against Toronto FC II (5-6-5) for the first time since the 2019 season.
Richmond’s previous match was their first against FC Tucson since the 2020 season. The match began with the two sides battling to find space and score with Tucson’s wingers creating space on the wings but not finding the final product.
Then, around the 18th minute, Victor Falck played a perfectly-weighted through-ball to Emiliano Terzaghi in the penalty area. Terzaghi was taken down in the box and the head official pointed to the spot. Terzaghi stepped up, sent the keeper in the wrong direction, and slotted the penalty into the side netting adding a ninth to his season goal tally — good for a share of second place in the tightly-contested golden boot race.
Richmond defended courageously to shutout Tucson and earn a clean sheet at home. Despite Tucson’s numerous attempts at creating that extra something that could turn the tides, Akira Fitzgerald and the Richmond defense would not break. Tucson had 30 shots and majority possession with 67.5% but Fitzgerald made eight saves, and the team combined to make six blocks, 34 clearances, and 22 tackles. Richmond’s win at home boosted them back to the top half of the table, currently tied in points with Toronto and South Georgia Tormenta FC.
Toronto’s last match was their first home match of 2021 that was actually at home in Canada. Toronto has had a unique start to the 2021 season as they’ve navigated the Canadian regulations in regards to allowing sports teams into the country. The MLS affiliate had their home games split between two different venues in Arizona and Florida before being allowed to return home to Canada in late July. Their first true home match was against Greenville Triumph SC and resulted in a 0-0 draw. Toronto’s record in the last five games is 2-2-1 and their form follows a similar pattern to that of the Kickers.
The last time Richmond faced Toronto FC II was way back in October of 2019. Toronto is currently tied with Richmond in points but sits just above in the table due to goal differential. The Reds also have a game in hand versus Toronto making this matchup a crucial one for both sides.
Richmond’s next match will be a return to City Stadium presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond to take on New England Revolution II for the third time of the 2021 season. The Reds have scored six against the Revs this season and won both of their matches. Richmond will look to turn the double into a triple over the Revs, next Saturday, August 14. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:30 p.m.
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Richmond Kickers
Chris Cole (#3) was a midseason addition to the Richmond squad following a successful trial period beginning in the preseason. Although not initially a starter, Cole has proven to be a more than capable outside back that will provide Coach Sawatzky hard decisions as the squad is reinforced by guys returning from injury. Since taking on a role on the backline, Cole has made 12 clearances, 12 interceptions and has flashed offensive talent in the attack as well, all while starting the last five games for the Kickers.
Jonathan Bolanos (#17) has scored two goals and earned an assist this season but has continued to be a menace for opposing defenders on the wings. Furthermore, Bolanos’ ability to take the ball into dangerous areas has allowed the forward to win fouls in dangerous areas. Most notably, Bolanos carried the ball up to the edge of the penalty area before drawing a foul against Union Omaha that set up the free kick in which the Reds equalized. Bolanos has taken 15 shots and was the season-opening goalscorer for the Kickers.
Akira Fitzgerald (#1) has the second-highest save success rate (74.2) in the top half of the table right now and leads the league in saves with 49 saves. Fitzgerald earned his fifth clean sheet of the season this past weekend against FC Tucson and continues to show his veteran status and fortitude between the sticks.
Toronto FC II
Garrett McLaughlin (#49) is Toronto’s leading goalscorer with eight goals. McLaughlin also is the team leader in shots taken with 35, and he will be looking to continue taking as many opportunities to increase his goal tally. McLaughlin has averaged a goal every 127.4 minutes up to this point in the season.
Caleb Patterson-Sewell (#40) is the only other goalkeeper in the top half of the table with a higher save success rate (78.4) than Akira Fitzgerald (74.2). He’s saved 29 shots but only held one clean sheet.
Kevin Politz (#64) has played over 1000 minutes with Toronto this season and seems to be a cemented starter for the side. Politz leads the team in clearances (48) and interceptions (13). Politz also has a passing accuracy of 92.9%. Toronto will lean on the defender to help retain some points this weekend.
