The U18 Richmond Kickers of the Development Academy earned their first Atlantic Division victory on Sunday, a hard-fought 2-1 result over the rival Charlotte Soccer Academy.

It was an important win for the Kickers, who have struggled against divisional opponents so far this season. They move into fourth place as they try to claw their way back into the Atlantic divisional race.
 
“It was a tale of two halves,” said Richmond coach Jesse Meyers. “We scored two really nice goals in the first half, but we were never able to settle the game and struggled to handle their pressure in the second half, and that’s why we gave up the late goal.”

The Kickers won the first half possession battle and were able to control the pace of the game, which led to two goals by striker Mason Page, an Old Dominion commitment.

The first goal was a display of the Kickers’ developing team chemistry, with five players touching the ball in a crisp and aggressive counter-attack: a long ball was played from the defense to midfielder Nathan Foglesong, and a few quick passes brought the ball to VCU commitment Jacob Doyle streaking along the wing, who hit a low ball across the middle of the box to Page, who finally knocked in a one-touch goal.

Page’s second goal was more of an individual effort, which showed him creating a play off the dribble and striking the ball at goal from the top of the box.

The Kickers have faced some tough competition within their division this season, competing against players like Nathan Shiffman and Garrett Harvey of the Richmond Strikers along with Virginia Rush AJ Auxerre’s Alex Vaughan.

Coach Meyers said he hopes Sunday’s victory improves his team’s confidence and leads to more success as the season enters its home stretch. But despite the win, he credited Charlotte for a great team effort. Charlotte fought through injuries and an early deficit to keep the pressure on Richmond’s defense.

“We won today, but they did not fall easily,” Meyers said. “I think Charlotte will be right there fighting for the division when the Academy season comes to an end.”