Preview: Kickers in Semi-final Battle Against Chattanooga

Opponent: Chattanooga (12 – 11– 7)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 29th, 6:00 PM half an hour earlier than normal
Last Result: Kickers 1 – Greenville 1

Weather Forecast from Weatherbug

A little chilly but no rain. Fall ball at its finest

Three Things to Kickabout

1. One Mistake – The Kickers achieved the harder task of winning the League. The brutal aspect of a tournament like this is that one single mistake or injury can send a team crashing out of the final. The Kickers haven’t been mistake-prone in general but the fear is always there. The Kickers have an experienced squad so mistakes aren’t likely. The Kickers have also been able to come back from behind this season many times so as long as the mistake isn’t in the final minutes. I think all is good.
2. Offense Powerhouses – The Kickers have an amazing +19 goal differential. Chattanooga has an impressive +13. The next closest team sits at a measly +2. Kickers had a record high 54 goals and Chattanooga 53 goals. These teams like to score so don’t expect a laid back, see what happens approach from either team. The players to keep an eye on for the Kickers are Terzaghi (Golden Boot Winner for the third time in a row),  Jonny Bolanos (Most Assist in the League and 6 goals), and Owayne Gordon with 5 goals. Owayne has been a super sub for the Kicker and when he enters the game the dynamic definitely changes. On the Chatttanooga side there is Juan Galindrez with 13 goals and Moe Espinoza with 8 goals.
3. Home Field Advantage – Last playoffs the Kicker had to play back-to-back games on the road against the same team Tuscon FC. They couldn’t get the job done.  The last home game for the Kickers a record-setting 6,000 fans showed up to support their team. There should be just as many on Saturday. This plus a pitch they know is going to be the boost the team needs. The Kickers record at home is 8-2-5 which not super impressive does give the advantage to the Kickers.

Prediction

It is without exaggeration that I say this is the best Richmond Kickers team I’ve ever seen play. They have all the pieces to win the championship. The worry as mentioned above is that one mistake can send it all crashing down. I don’t think we’ll see any mistakes on Saturday. Last time Chattanooga was in town the Kickers won 3-0. This Saturday will be a similar result.

Kickers 2 – Chattanoogo 0