Fort Lauderdale CF returned to USL League One action tonight, falling 2-1 on the road against the Richmond Kickers in a highly contested match. The matchup at City Stadium kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET and aired live on ESPN+.
It was a quick start to the game for the visitors, as Fort Lauderdale took an early lead in the 5th minute of play with a goal by striker Ricky Lopez-Espin. Right-back Brian Rosales sent a long cross from the right wing towards the far end of the box, where it fell to the feet of 18-year-old defender and Inter Miami CF Academy graduate Ian Fray. Fray then showcased his ability in attack, dribbling past a defender with nifty footwork before playing a low cross for Lopez-Espin, who finished with a simple tap in to give Fort Lauderdale a 0-1 lead. It was Fray’s first assist and Lopez-Espin’s seventh goal of the campaign.
However, the Kickers were able to tie the match before the half, with a strike from forward Emiliano Terzaghi in the 25th minute. Terzaghi controlled the ball on the right side of the box before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that found the back of the for the hosts to tie the match 1-1 before the break.
Early in the second half, the Richmond Strikers took the lead. Terzaghi scored his second goal of the night in the 54th minute after heading in a precise corner kick delivered from the left hand side of the pitch. Fort Lauderdale generated several dangerous opportunities in attack throughout the remaining minutes, but ultimately was unable to find the equalizing goal and fell 1-2 in a close away match in Richmond, VA.
Fort Lauderdale CF will return to USL League One action on Saturday, Sept. 26 with a second away match on the road in just three days, making a trip to Tucson, AZ. to face FC Tucson.
