Richmond, VA– Richmond’s Imura and Yeiesley score to help the Kickers earn three key points in Eastern Conference USL play on Saturday night inside City Stadium.
Saint Louis FC is now 6-10-8 (26pts.) while Richmond moves to 9-6-9 (36pts.) with the victory.
Both teams had equal scoring opportunities in the first half.
With Mike Ambersley out, Jordan Roberts started up top and put a rocket on net early on, but missed wide left. Alec Kann stopped three quality chances, haulting the Kickers from taking the lead.
Saint Louis FC could not capitalize on their corner kick opportunities, and headed into halftime tied with Richmond at 0.
As the beginning of the second half began, so did Richmond with two quality chances in the opening five minutes. The Kickers really forced the pace but STL held strong with Sam Fink and James Musa locking down the defensive line.
A rare yellow card foul from LB Patrick Doody in the 54th minute gave Richmond a free kick in the STL half but the Kickers neglected to capitalize. Heading right back down the field was Saint Louis. Jamiel Hardware sailed one over the crossbar with his first chance in the second half.
Jack Mathis earned his first appearance of the season, getting subbed in during second half play.
Richmond’s MF Alex Lee committed a yellow card foul on Jordan Roberts as the ball headed into the attacking third, granting a free kick for Saint Louis FC. Bryan Gaul’s kick was turned aside by the Kickers defense keeping the game scoreless.
The Kickers would score two goals in under 10 minutes later on in the half from Imura (70’) and Yeisley (77’). Richmond’s attack was just too much for STL to handle after battling back and earning a 3-2 victory against the Charleston Battery just two days prior.
Saint Louis FC will have to basically win out to enter the playoff picture in the sixth spot and have the teams ahead of them drop consecutive games. Stranger things have happened soccer fans.
STL FC will look to bounce back against the Eastern Conference leading Rochester Rhinos Sunday, August 30th on the road. Start time is scheduled for 3:05pm ET.
