Saturday March 23rd I had the pleasure of attending Richmond Kickers home USL League 1 home opener vs South Georgia Tormenta FC. The game was filled with drama, high intensity and quality when that quality was needed. South Georgia prevailed 3-1 with a late goal putting the game to bed. The scoreline however was not the main attraction for the night.
Upon arrival I gathered my media credentials from the friendly Kicker staff and entered the hallowed City Stadium ground. Greeted by smiling event staff and blaring music I noticed club merchandise as soon as you walk in. Racks of multiple Kicker jerseys autographed by current and former players were for sale. A small merch truck was placed directly behind the jersey racks with a line of about 10 were scouring the collection of Kicker hats and other items for purchase. Several food trucks serving sandwiches, donuts, ice cream, rice bowls and tacos were stationed on the concourse. There was also a kiosk for several different selections of alcoholic beverages.
As for the Stadium itself. City Stadium has a rich history and plenty of character. Built in 1929 City Stadium is a converted American football stadium with a capacity of 22,000. The large stand is no longer being used and is now the spot for sponsor banners draped on the bleacher seats. City Stadium was used by the University of Richmond until 2009 to host their home games. The Stadium hosted the NCAA men's soccer championship from 1995-1998. The Kickers have been playing at City Stadium since 1995 and capacity now for soccer is six thousand.
After my walk around the ground I entered the press box which sits centrally to the pitch and rises above the Stadium seats. Upon entry I obtained my rosters and game notes provided by the Kickers. Soon after the players came out for pregame warm-ups. Both rosters were filled with a mix of youth and players with MLS and other professional experience from across the world.
As the game began Richmond was the team more in control of the action. That was before former DC United and Colorado Rapids man Conor Doyle provided the games opening goal with a strike that will be up for goal of the week in the league. Doyle recovered a blocked shot at the top of the box and ripped a shot with his laces by Richmond keeper Pablo Jara. Richmond was not deterred as they once again carried play with attacking runs down their right side but were unable to capitalize on any of their chances. The half ended with the score 1-0.
A Kicker giveaway in the 2nd half resulted in South Georgia's 2nd goal. Niall Watson took advantage and was in unscathed to put South Georgia up 2-0. Richmond continued to pile on the chances and carried the gameplay which eventually led to them bringing back a goal late in the match. With numbers pushing forward the third and final goal from Mason Tunbridge sealed the victory for South Georgia as the Kickers again turned the ball over chasing the game.
Richmond manager Darren Sawatzky showed faith in 17 year olds Nicholas Simmonds and Griffin Garnett who earned the start and showed moments of belonging at the level. Unfortunately Kickers star man Emiliano Terzaghi was unavailable for selection due to injury. Terzaghi whom has been named USL League 1 MVP three out of the last four seasons has been missed as the Kickers sit near bottom of USL 1 through 2 games.
Overall the experience was a 10/10. The rice chicken bowl provided by the Kickers staff was delicious. The atmosphere was stellar with young fans mixed with local die hards and a vocal supporters section equipped with smoke flares and flags set the ambience.
The Richmond Kickers and City Stadium are a can't miss and I am hoping to go back in the future.
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