RICHMOND, Va. — (Saturday, July 13, 2019) — The Richmond Kickers (3-9-3) suffered defeat at home to the league leaders North Texas SC (10-2-3) at City Stadium Saturday night. Two goals in the first half from Thomas Roberts and Callum Montgomery sealed the victory for the visitors in front of 3,321 at City Stadium. Richmond United Academy product Key White made his professional debut for the club coming on in the 32nd minute. 

North Texas took the lead after 11 minutes. Thomas Roberts pounced on a loose ball in the midfield and started to drive towards the goal. With space, Roberts cut back to his left foot and chipped a shot around Akira Fitzgerald for the opener. 

Three minutes later North Texas doubled their lead. Off a corner kick, Arturo Rodriguez picked out Callum Montgomery at the near post, leaping to head in a shot into the back of the net for the second goal of the night for the visitors. 

The Kickers nearly pulled a goal back in the 16th minute. Greg Boehme slipped Dennis Chin through the North Texas backline. As he went for his shot, Carlos Avilez came sliding in to make the stop. 

Five minutes into the second half, Eli Lockaby had a chance to get Richmond back into the match. Maxi Rodriguez played the ball out to Lockaby on the wing. Lockaby played a give and go with Rodriguez, finally playing it back to Lockaby making a run into the box. He let a shot rip forcing Carlos Avilez to stretch and get a hand on the ball to push it away from danger.

Richmond was reduced to ten men in the 89th minute when Jannik Eckenrode was issued his second yellow card of the night, forcing the referee to show him a red card. 

The Kickers are back at City Stadium next Saturday night to host Orlando City B and Fitness Night, presented by Sports Backers. Tickets for that match are available now at RichmondKickers.com.