May 11, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – – The Richmond Kickers set a new attendance record post-COVID as 4,612 fans filled the stands during the 2022 Open Cup Round of 32 against MLS side, Charlotte FC which ended with the visitors earning a 5-1 result.
The Kickers nearly drew first blood with a header from Matthew Bentley in the 29th minute. Emiliano Terzaghi played the role of creator on the left wing as he lifted a cross to the Brit. Bentley deftly flicked the shot on target with his head, forcing a diving save from the Charlotte keeper.
Despite momentum favoring the Kickers, the visitors broke the stalemate in the 33rd minute. Charlotte forward Daniel Rios fired a shot from inside the box that was saved by Akira Fitzgerald with a deflection. However, the deflection fell to teammate Yordy Reyna who passed the ball back into the box and Rios guided it into the net.
By halftime, Richmond had totaled six shots with two shots on goal but Charlotte held serve in the scoreline.
The Kickers came out of the dressing room firing to start the second half. Soon after, Zaca Moran scored his first goal in front of the City Stadium crowd with an equalizer in the 52nd minute. Leonardo Baima combined with Vincenzo Candela on a one-two, deep on the left wing, before Baima crossed the ball to the back post to Stephen Payne. Payne squared the ball back towards the middle of the box as Moran charged in and fired a shot that beat the keeper and hit the net.
The magic of a possible cupset started to dissipate as Charlotte responded quickly with a goal in transition that involved a controversial restart of play in the 54th minute. Charlotte found two more goals by the 61st minute as the Kickers opened up in an attempt to chase the game.
Owayne Gordon made his debut tonight for the Kickers, coming in as a substitute in the 63rd minute and had a breakaway in the 80th minute, taking the ball from midfield and dribbling past three…