When: May 11th, 6:30 PM ET | How to Watch: Only available on ESPN+ (U.S. Open Cup matches will not be blacked out in our market on ESPN+ and available to all in NC and SC)
Charlotte FC returns to action in the historic U.S. Open Cup for the round of 32 match against the Richmond Kickers. A Kickers team that is relishing the opportunity to cause an upset but face a Charlotte FC team hungry to make a statement in this tournament.
The Open Cup is an opportunity for teams involved to earn a trophy outside of their league. Not only is a trophy on the line, but the winner of the U.S. Open Cup also is granted a spot in the following year’s CONCACAF Champions League.
Richmond Kickers
Founded in 1993, the Kickers are one of the oldest continuously run professional soccer clubs in the country. They are no strangers to the U.S. Open Cup, having a long history of upsetting MLS teams in the competition.
Their best run came in 2011 when they upset the Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City to reach the semifinals. Today, they are currently sitting right in the middle of the pack in 5th in their domestic league, USL League One.
Charlotte FC had a chance to scout the Kickers in person when they came to town to play against the Charlotte Independence. CLTFC head coach, Miguel Ramírez, is expecting a motivated and well-organized side.
“Defending as a team, they are well organized... It’s a team that is well coached and organized. With their defending organization being really clear. Of course, knowing that we know the ways to progress and where the spaces are that we can conquer to reach the final third.
“What can be similar to Greenville is the desire and the opportunity that they have playing an MLS team. The noise that it brings. As a team, as a club, or individually, it is a chance for many players to be seen.”
The most dangerous threat on the Kickers will be Emiliano Terzaghi, a two-time League One Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner. He is the all-time leading goal scorer in USL League One history and his 21 goals in 2021 set a single season goal scoring record.
The Crown travels to Richmond with the goal of booking their spot into the round of 16 while the Kickers will do all they can to spoil the party.
Tune In
Charlotte FC's last U.S. Open Cup match against the Greenville Triumph was a nail-biter that was won in extra time with a dramatic late goal from right back Harrison Afful. We saw some new faces get some playing time and witnessed the Club make history as they won their first-ever U.S. Open Cup match.
Wednesday night will be another opportunity for the Club to make history and continue their push in the tournament.
How to Watch: ESPN+
When: May 11th, 6:30 PM ET
Where: City Stadium, Richmond, VA
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