Kickers fall short in season opener vs. Ignite 3-2 (3-30-19)

By: Darrell Owens

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network 

The Richmond Kickers enter their 27th season of professional soccer, but this year as a member of the new league… the USL League One. New league…new team, the Kickers only have 5 players returning from last year’s team. Richmond wanted to get things started on the right foot, but the brand new Lansing Ignite had other plans. 

In the 19th minute, Robinson Moshobane would score Lansing’s first ever goal given the Ignite the early 1-0 lead. Just 8 minutes later (27 minute), Zavier Gomez would give Lansing a 2-0 lead that would take Lansing into halftime on top. 

The 2nd half would start with the Ignite continue their great play as Kevin Coiffic would punch in another Lansing goal in the 49th minute putting the Ignite Up 3-0. Despite being down, Richmond didn’t give up. Maxi Rodriguez would score the Kickers first goal of the season in the 68th minute closing the gap making the score 3-1. After drawing a penalty kick in minute 76, Joe Gallardo knocked the penalty kick in, giving the Kickers life late in the match.

Richmond efforts would be in vain, as Lansing would hold on the 3-2 lead given them their first win ever. Richmond will get the opportunity to get win number one of the season next week vs Tormenta FC at 5 pm at City Stadium. Lansing travels to Greenville to take on Triumph SC.