Preview: Kickers Stumble on the Road Looking for a Win on Saturday

Opponent:  Charlotte Independence (7-5-5)
Date/Time: Saturday, July 15th, 7:00 PM
Last Result: Kickers 1 – Union Omaha 4

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Three Things to Kick About

1. Collapse – We can’t talk about this game without mentioning the last game. In Omaha, the Kickers went up 1-0. Things improved when the Kickers went a man up. Then things fell completely apart. The Kicker while up a man proceeded to let the Union score 4 unanswered goals. Not only were the unanswered the Kickers really didn’t threaten the defense at all. The offensive creativity was nowhere to be seen.
2. Penalty Kicks – In the past 3 games the Kickers have scored 4 penalty kicks. Continuing to pin your offensive hopes on the kindness of the center ref is a recipe for disaster. The offense needs to find it’s stride (reminder we’re halfway through the season) and start producing.
3. New Kids – One would think that with our struggles the team would go out and get a grizzled veteran that could immediately start games and produce. The Kickers have gone another route. This week they announced two signings of Academy players. The players are 16 year old, midfielder Nicholas Simmonds and 16 year old, midfielder Landon Johnson. Both players call Richmond their home. While it’s great the Kickers are taking advantage of a strong academy it’s doubtful the either player will have a large impact on the rest of the Kickers season.

Prediction

Charlotte Independence have shown flashes of brilliance this year. The Richmond Kickers have shown flashes of workman-like competence. Charlotte sits one spot above Richmond on the table in 4th and has one more win. Both teams have played 17 games. Charlotte has bagged 22 goals to Richmond’s 20. So on paper, the teams are very evenly matched. However, my confidence is shaken after the Kickers’ performance in Omaha. They need a win and not just a 1-0 penalty kick win but a decisive multiple goal win. I don’t see an offense capable of pulling it off. I’m being optimistic and hoping the team salvages a draw.

Kickers 1
Omaha 1