Kickers Earn First-Ever Win in Tucson

June 30, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Richmond Kickers (6-4-3, 21 pts) earned their first-ever win at Kino North Stadium (3-7-2, 11 pts), late Wednesday night, with a goal scored by Jonathan Bolanos in the 60th minute of the match.

Both teams came out hungry for three points as Tucson was on a two-match unbeaten streak and Richmond was searching for its fourth win in the month of June.

The first key opportunity for the Kickers came during the 13th minute. Ethan Bryant dribbled the ball all the way past midfield to find Matthew Bentley making the outside run. Bentley then took the ball almost to the endline before crossing the ball into the box. Tuscon’s keeper, Carlos Merancio, did not get a good handle on the ball and Emiliano Terzaghi was in position to hit the rebound for another shot that hit the goalpost.

Tucson had an opportunity on frame in the 14th minute, but Akira Fitzgerald came up with the save which proved to be the only shot on target for Tucson in the first half.

Another opportunity found its way to the Kickers in the 17th minute as Matthew Bentley took the ball and crossed it to Bolanos who was waiting outside of the box to take a shot but his attempt went wide of the target.

The last major opportunity for the Kickers was in the 37th minute when Stephen Payne dribbled the ball past midfield and found Terzaghi. He made a turn with a defender on his back and took a shot, however, he was denied by Merancio.

The second half continued to be a battle as both teams were looking to break through and score.

With a lot of patience, the Kickers were rewarded for their hard work in the 60th minute. Bolanos looked for the shot but was covered by Tucson defenders and was able to find Vincenzo Candela who was in space just outside of the box. Candela settled the ball and took a shot, which ricocheted off the defender to Ethan Bryant. The midfielder quickly set up the ball for Bolanos to send a rocketed volley into the bottom left corner of goal.

Tucson continued to look for their opportunity to score and their last major opportunity came in the 85th minute when Louis Perez sent a cross to Tarn Weir who took a shot outside the box. His attempt ricocheted off the upper left-hand corner of the goal and was deflected back into play.

The last major opportunity from the Kickers came in the 89th when Bolanos found Terzaghi to take on the defender. However, Terzaghi saw Gordon making a run outside and…