July 25, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Central Valley Fuego FC News Release
FRESNO, Calif. – Despite being at home, the Central Valley Fuego FC is entering as underdogs against the second ranked team in the League, the Richmond Kickers. This will be Fuego FC’s first time against the Kickers this season.
Fuego FC did not waste any time scoring. Stephen Payne got his first yellow card, which led to Fuego FC taking advantage of their free kick. Victor Falck scored the goal off the crossbar taking the early lead. It was his third goal of the season, but this one had some more meaning behind it. Falck played two seasons with the Richmond Kickers and it was his first team he signed professionally with. A double yellow was given to Payne who was then out of the game forcing Richmond to adjust the lineup with just ten men on the field. In the 35th minute, the scoring play started with a switch from the right side to the left and then a cross to Falck who then headed it for his second goal of the game. Just before the first half ended, Michael Hornsby got a yellow card leading to a free kick for the Kickers. The Kickers used that opportunity to score, giving the Kickers hope just before the end of the half.
The second half started with Nathan Aune, an integral part of the Kickers’ defense, getting a red card. Not only was a key defender for Richmond out, the remainder of the game would be to Fuego FC’s advantage with it being a 9v11 game.Christian Chaney and Alexis Cerritos were subbed in for Renato Bustamante and Jesus Partida in the 54th minute, which worked in their favor. In just four minutes of being subbed in, Cerritos helped strengthen the lead thanks to the patience of the Fuego FC team waiting for the right opportunity to score. Falck’s brace against his former team and Cerritos goal in the second half helped them to a 3-1 win at home over the highly ranked Kickers.
UP NEXT: Central Valley Fuego FC takes on Charlotte Independence for the second time this season on Friday, July 19 at 4 PM PST. The match will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Match: Central Valley Fuego FC vs Richmond Kickers
Date: July 23, 2022
Venue: Fresno State Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 1,345
Weather: 105 degrees
Notes
– Midfielder Victor Falck went up against former team, the Richmond Kickers who he played two seasons with before joining Fuego FC. He recorded his third and fourth goals of the season and one assist.
– Defender Sam Strong who is on loan from Monterey Bay F.C….