Richmond Kickers 3-2 Cleveland SC

RICHMOND, Va. - Nearly six hours after the scheduled kickoff, the Richmond Kickers were able to stave off a furious Cleveland SC comeback attempt, downing the NPSL side 3-2. The victory saw defending League One MVP Emiliano Terzaghi open his 2023 account as the Kickers secured their 36th all-time victory in the U.S. Open Cup.

Dealing with intermittent weather delays and heavy rain throughout the match, the Richmond Kickers jumped out to a two-goal lead through an Emiliano Terzaghi brace. A 79th-minute Dakota Barnathan goal seemed to seal the victory for the Kickers, now up by three, but Cleveland responded rapidly with a pair of special solo efforts in the 80th and 86th minutes to pull within one. The Richmond defense stood tall through the final four minutes of regulation and four added minutes of stoppage time to advance.

With the Open Cup's Third Round Draw already completed, the Richmond Kickers will travel to face DMV rival and Major League Soccer club D.C. United for the fourth time in club history. The match will take place on Tuesday, April 25 or Wednesday, April 26 at DCU's Audi Field.

SCORING SUMMARY

RIC – Terzaghi (Bentley) 31' - WATCH
RIC – Terzaghi (Vinyals) 59' - WATCH
RIC – Barnathan (Terzaghi) 79' - WATCH
CLE – Beck 80' - WATCH
CLE – Harter 86' - WATCH