Richmond Kickers: 10 thoughts following the TFC2 win
For just the second time all season the Richmond Kickers have won back-to-back matches. Are the USL League One Playoffs still within reach?
1) Key Stats – For just the fourth time this season the Richmond Kickers have scored twice in a win. The result marked the club’s first win of the year when they’ve given up a goal. And it was just the second time Richmond has won consecutive matches.
2) The Big Finish – After securing wins over both MLS academy clubs in USL League One, Richmond should feel hopeful if points are needed late to make the playoffs. The Kickers finish the season with TFC2 and OCB — both at home and within four days of each other.
3) New Look, New Results – While it feels very odd to see this Richmond side with under 40% possession and being out passed, six points from six is all that matters at this point in the season and considering the table.
4) Stand Up for Joe Rice – Rice had a solid outing in his first professional start debut. It’s a positive for the coaching staff to know that they have a tested backup keeper now, as well as a consideration for building the squad in the future.
.@VCUMensSoccer alum @_jr1ce was a brick wall in his first pro start in goal this weekend! #RamsInThePros #LetsGoVCU https://t.co/gocOFG8l5k
— VCU Men's Soccer (@VCUMensSoccer) July 29, 2019
5) Mutaya Mwape – Mwape shined against Toronto FC II with an impressive 96.6% passing accuracy overall and 93.8% in TFC2’s half.
6) The More Joe, The Better – Joe Gallardo now sits second in USL League One in shots with 32 (the current leader is at 46). Gallardo’s skill and a knack for the special give him a free license to create a moment of magic.
7) The Bench Leaves Questions – For the second straight match, club captain Maxi Rodriguez was named to the bench. Even with the results, don’t expect that to become a normal situation. Braeden Troyer has been solid over the two wins, while Maxi could easily rotate with Josh Hughes into the other CM role.
Against Madison Richmond only listed six named on the bench. Is there an injury crisis or just a lack of players that traveled?
8) Ackwei Continues to Shine – Wahab Ackwei has been a defensive standout for the Kickers this season. He currently sits fourth in the league in clearances with 65 (the leader is at 81). Richmond fans will hope he is one of the first names the club tries to secure for next season.
9) Playoffs are still possible –
The @USLLeagueOne Power Rankings aren't high on the @RichmondKickers chances for making the playoffs, but after 2 straight wins, they're just 7 pts. out with 33 points still to play for + 2 trips to Forward Madison who sit 8th in the table. #RVAisRED #RVAhttps://t.co/098pXInw0t
— Nathan Reynolds (@Nathan_RVA) July 30, 2019
10) Up Next – Richmond has this weekend off before heading up to Forward Madison for their next match on 8/10. This will be the first meeting between the two sides and the first of three clashes over the next six weeks. Currently sitting 8th and 9th in the USL League One table, you can catch the match on ESPN+ at 6 pm ET.
