The Richmond Kickers, a local professional soccer club, will host Major League Soccer (MLS) side Charlotte FC in the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The game is on Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m at City Stadium,

The Kickers play in the USL League One, which is equivalent to the third tier of U.S. soccer, behind the MLS and also the USL Championship (second tier of U.S. soccer). 

Currently, the Kickers place fifth in the eleven-team league with a 2-2-1 start (two wins, two loss, one tie).

In the previous round, the club faced off against the Carolina Fusion Under-23 team, who play in the USL League Two division (fourth tier of U.S. soccer). After a scoreless first 90 minutes, the game was tied through regulation. However, the Argentine striker Emiliano Terzhagi was able to break the deadlock with a clutch goal in the closing minutes of the game to send Richmond into next round of the Cup.

In their third round game in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Charlotte FC played in an extra time match versus another League One team in the Greenville Triumph. Charlotte won the affair 2-1, with Harrison Afful scoring the game winning goal in the 105+1 minute. 

While the record does not show it, the Kickers find success in front of the home crowd, famously known as “The Red Army”. However, the team saw a 16-game home unbeaten streak (that extended into last season) come to an end this past Saturday against the club’s Henry Derby rival opponent, Forward Madison, in a 1-0 defeat.

Richmond dominated the game, outshooting Madison 18 to 6 and winning the possession battle 61% to 39%, but unfortunately saw their streak come to an end with the conceding of an own goal by centre-back Jalen Crisler.

Despite the loss, the Kickers, led by Terzhagi, will attempt to put up a fight against the tough Charlotte opponent, led by former Leicester City wingback Christian Fuchs, who played for the Championship winning English Premier League side.       

This will be the first time the Kickers are hosting an MLS club since 2015, so everyone in the city of Richmond should attend. City Stadium provides a fun, enjoyable experience for all who come and join the hysteria that the environment provides.

No matter who takes home the victory, the game will be entertaining for all!