Toronto FC II continues their road trip as they travel to Virginia to battle the Kickers. Here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s opponents.
2017 Season
The Kickers have had a difficult 2017 season thus far. The Kickers currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-12-8. Richmond has struggled to score this season with just 14 goals for.
Current Form
LDLDW
Loss vs. Orlando City B (1-0)
Draw at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1-1)
Loss vs. Saint Louis FC (1-0)
Draw at Charlotte Independence (0-0)
Win Vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (3-2)
Last time we met
The two clubs played to a 0-0 stalemate in May at the Ontario Soccer Centre. All-time the Reds are 2-3-1 against the Kickers. Both of the Reds victories have come at home.
Key Player: Fred Owusu Sekyere
The midfielder is the joint leading goal scorer (2) still on the roster as their leading goal scorer Alhaji Kamara was sold in July. Sekyere has two goals in 19 appearances for the club. He also has a team high three assists and has been created with creating 23 chances. The 31-year-old Ghanaian is in his third season with the Kickers.
Unsung Hero: Matt Turner
Turner has started all but three of the Kickers’ games this season. The ‘keeper is on loan from the New England Revolution and has recorded three clean sheets this season. Turner has made 60 stops and conceded 24 goals.
Canadian Content
The Kickers currently roster two Canadians: goalkeeper Marcel DeBellis and defender Mallan Roberts.
DeBellis has made just one start in goal this season making two stops and conceding once. The Oakville, native is in his first season with the Kickers after spending the last three seasons with the Ottawa Fury in the NASL.
Roberts has started all but one of the Kickers matches this season, misses the latest match against Orlando. The native of Edmonton is in his first season with the Kickers following four years with FC Edmonton. Roberts made his Canadian National Team debut in 2015 in a World Cup qualifying match against Dominica.
Projected Lineup:
The Kickers have recently rolled out in a 4-3-2-1 formation. Luis Fernando has played as the out and out striker.
Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 7:00 PM. As always you can catch all of the action right here on TFC2.ca
