The Richmond Kickers (2-1-0, 6 pts) defeated AV Alta FC 3-1 at City Stadium. The home opening win featured a first half goal from Chandler O’Dwyer and a second half brace from Emiliano Terzaghi.
Terzaghi launched his first goal of the night
The Kickers knocked through the first eight minutes, creating beautiful chances from the wings through veterans Matt Bolduc and Darwin Espinal but the ball just didn’t fall.
A mistouch ion the Kickers half resulted in the first goal of the night and put Antelope Valley up one in the eighth.
A hand ball from Alta sent Emi Terzaghi to the penalty spot. He sent a beautiful ball to the bottom right corner but Alta keeper Carlos Avilez dove out wide and got to it.
In the 23rd minute, goalkeeper and Richmond native, James Sneddon made a beautiful save to keep the score where it was after Emmanuel Alaribe took a shot from the top corner of the box.
A free kick earned by Terzaghi found Matt Bolduc breaking through the back line but he was ripped down by his arm and earned another. The strike then from Darwin Espinal sailed just high of the net. Maxi Schenfeld won the ball back off the ensuing goal kick and found Espinal who dribbled through to shake two defenders before he took another shot. This one deflected slightly and slid just wide right of the goal mouth.
The Kickers wouldn’t relent and forced another corner in first half stoppage time. Maxi sent a beautiful in swinging ball to the near post and found Chandler on the run. Chandler sent the ball sailing over the keeper and sent the Kickers into the locker room with a brand new game.
Ten minutes into the second, the Kickers took over in transition. Terzaghi broke free with protection from Espinal and sent the ball towards goal from the half-line. Catching Ávilez way off his line, the ball soared into the back of the net and put the Kickers up 2-1.
Still the squad kept pushing. With fresh legs on the wing in Josh Kirkland, the Kickers attacked again in the 74th minute. Kirkland sent a ball in from the wing to O’Dwyer who put the ball on frame. Ávilez made a touch save but the ever-present Terzaghi cleaned it up and touched it into the back of the net for a brace.
The Kickers would hold the two goal lead through the final whistle and claim three points for the home opener in front of 5500 fans.
The Kickers will take to the City Stadium pitch again next Saturday, March 29. Get your tickets now at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
