Rivercity 93

The Ivy have kicked off their 2026 season! Vinecast's Kate and Allan take a look back at how the first two matches went, from starting XIs to goal breakdowns to how the team fared at the back. Listen now before the Ivy does it all again this week!

The battle of South is renewed in the Prinix Tire USL Cup, and it did not live up to the hype. But to bring you all the details of this game and more.

In this episode, we're joined by Darren Sawatzky to break down one of the strongest performances of the season from the Richmond Kickers.Richmond earned a commanding 3–0 road victory over Greenville Triumph SC, extending the club's winning streak to three straight league matches while recording a second consecutive clean sheet. Coach Sawatzky discusses the balance between Richmond's disciplined defensive structure and the team's growing confidence in transition and attack.We talk about:Mujeeb Murana's incredible long-range openerThe continued development of players like Tarik Pannholzer and Owen O'MalleyYann Fillion's consistency in goalThe defensive partnership of Dakota Barnathan and Sam LaytonHow Richmond is beginning to establish a clearer identity during this strong run of formSawatzky also shares thoughts on squad depth, player confidence, and preparing for the upcoming rivalry matchup against Charleston Battery.A great inside look at the mentality, tactics, and momentum building within Richmond right now. ⚽

After a statement road win, the Richmond Kickers are rolling with three straight league victories following a dominant 3-0 performance over Greenville Triumph SC at Historic Riggs Field.In this episode, we break down Richmond's complete team performance, highlighted by an incredible long-range strike from Mujeeb Murana that opened the scoring. We also discuss second-half finishes from Tarik Pannholzer and Landon Johnson, whose first goal of the 2026 season sealed the victory.Defensively, goalkeeper Yann Fillion and the Kickers backline delivered another composed performance, earning a second consecutive clean sheet while captains Dakota Barnathan and Sam Layton combined for 17 clearances.We'll also look at the growing momentum under Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, the club's improving form in USL League One, and preview the upcoming rivalry clash against the Charleston Battery at City Stadium.

The Richmond Ivy takes the field today after another long offseason and the Vinecast crew is back with everything you need to know before league play kicks off next week!

The Richmond Kickers deliver a gritty 1–0 victory over Westchester SC at City Stadium, combining early attacking efficiency with resilient defending.Josh Kirkland's 14th-minute goal—finished after a series of rebounds—proved to be the difference, while Yann Fillion and the Richmond backline held firm under sustained pressure to secure their first clean sheet of the USL League One season.We break down the key moments, including multiple clutch saves from Fillion, goal-line clearances from Lucca Dourado, and Richmond's ability to absorb pressure while protecting the lead.Plus, we discuss what this performance reveals about Richmond's defensive identity, game management, and how this result fits into the bigger picture moving forward.

Join the crew as we break down a 1-0 loss to Charlotte Independence in the USL Cup. We go through how to feel not only about this game but the cup as a whole. We explore why this game felt like it was on a knife-edge and what positives to take away from it.

Join the crew as we breakdown a special 2 games in week! After getting knocked out of the US Open Cup, the Roos pulled out a tough 2-1 win over Union Omaha.

Join the crew as we break down Richmond's 3-1 loss to Spokane. We chat about how the injury bug is attacking this team, and how they build up in attack, and why Nils Seafurt is missed.

We break down:The defensive identity forming within the squadWhy chance creation remains a key issueThe impact of key moments in tight matchesStandout individual performances across the stretchLooking ahead, Richmond faces its toughest test yet against Columbus Crew in the Open Cup. We discuss what it will take to compete, where Richmond can find opportunities, and whether this group can rise to the occasion.

Hear from the crew as we break down Richmond's 1-0 win over Loudon United in the US Open Cup

Hear from Matt and Kate about the Kickers trip to Knoxville. What lineup changes surprised them? Who stood out? Where will the goals come from?Next up is an Open Cup match against Loudoun United. How can the Kickers spring the upset and move on to the third round of the US Open Cup? The Ivy season is fast approaching, and they have a new coach and lots of new players. Kate gives a sneak peek ahead of the Vinecast season preview and we get an update on Ivy alums in the pros

In this episode, we cover a tale of two matches for the Richmond Kickers—a historic cup night followed by a tough road test.Richmond delivered a composed 2–0 win over NOVA FC in the U.S. Open Cup, continuing their strong home tradition. Goals from Josh Kirkland and a late strike from Lucca Dourado sealed the result, while standout performances from Sean Vinberg, Hayden Anderson, and Dakota Barnathan highlighted the team's balance between defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.We dive into the tactical setup—compact defending, limiting clear chances, and striking on the break—and how it continues to define Richmond's early-season identity.The conversation then shifts to a frustrating loss against FC Naples, where Richmond fell 1–0 despite creating late chances. A red card to Andrew Richman, an early injury to Tyler Freeman, and missed opportunities proved costly, while Yann Fillion and the back line once again showed resilience under pressure.We also tackle big-picture questions:Can Richmond generate more consistent offense with limited possession?Is the direct “send Kirkland deep” approach sustainable?Does the squad depth show signs of improvement despite key absences?Plus, we answer listener questions and look ahead to the next matchup against One Knoxville SC.

In this special Coach's Interview, we sit down with Darren Sawatzky, head coach of the Richmond Kickers, to break down the team's start to the season and the thinking behind the roster.Sawatzky reflects on Richmond's 1–1 battle with AV Alta FC, discussing the defensive game plan, how the team handled sustained pressure, and the adjustments that helped create counterattacking chances in the second half. He also shares thoughts on standout performances, Lucca Dourado's debut, and the defensive work from players like Owen O'Malley and Sean Vinberg.The conversation then shifts to the upcoming U.S. Open Cup matchup with NOVA FC, including how preparation differs for a knockout competition and how the staff approaches squad rotation.We also dive into the philosophy behind building the current roster and how the coaching staff supports players observing Ramadan during the season.It's an in-depth look into tactics, squad management, and the culture being built in Richmond.

The season kicks off with a gritty performance as the Richmond Kickers battle AV Alta FC to a hard-fought 1–1 draw. Richmond came in with a clear game plan: stay compact defensively, limit clear chances in front of goal, and look to strike on the counter.That plan paid off early when Josh Kirkland capitalized on a defensive miscue in the 7th minute to give Richmond the lead. Alta responded in the 23rd minute when Desdunes converted from the penalty spot after contact at the edge of the box.The first half saw Richmond under heavy pressure, with Alta dominating possession and piling up shots inside the Kickers' area. But the defense stood tall, led by Sean Vinberg's clearances and Yann Fillion's six saves. Richmond found more space on the break in the second half and nearly stole the result late, while Alta rattled the post and forced a dramatic goal-line clearance in the 88th minute.We also discuss Lucca Dourado's debut, standout performances across the pitch, and the defensive resilience that kept Richmond in the match.Plus we answer listener questions about the likely starting XI moving forward, and whether Richmond's defensive approach could define the team early in the season.⚽ Next up: Richmond turns its attention to the U.S. Open Cup, facing NOVA FC on March 17 in Round 1.

A new season is on the horizon, and the offseason has already delivered major headlines. On this episode of River City 93, we break down Griffin Garnett's historic move to Europe and what his departure means for Richmond's back line and the club's future. We also react to the release of the new Kickers jersey and discuss what it represents as the team enters a new chapter.We then look at the bigger picture across the league, including the news of South Georgia Tormenta stepping away from USL League One, and what that means for competition moving forward. Finally, we preview Richmond's season opener on the road against AV Alta on March 7th, including what to watch for, key storylines, and what a strong start could look like. The offseason is ending — and a new season is about to begin.

Welcome back to the show, everyone! In this episode, we breakdown the latest moves the Roos have made, outlook for preaseason and the US Open cup and more!

The offseason is officially underway in Richmond, and change is already happening. In this episode of The Final Whistle, we break down the latest Kickers news following a difficult 2024 campaign that ended 13th in USL League One. We discuss coaching movement, a historic MLS SuperDraft moment, the release of the USL League One and USL Cup schedules, and—most importantly—the arrival of several new faces as the club begins reshaping its roster. This episode sets the foundation for what the rebuild could look like as Richmond turns its focus toward 2025.

The offseason has officially arrived in Richmond, and we're breaking down every major storyline from a long, challenging campaign. In this episode, we walk through the full roster update — who's returning, who re-signed, whose options were picked up, and which familiar faces are moving on. We also dive into the biggest needs for 2025, how the new core is shaping up, and what fans should keep an eye on as the rebuild begins. It's a quick but detailed look at the first steps of the Richmond Kickers' offseason and what it means for the future of the club.

In this episode, we sit down with U-20 Head Coach Conner Cappelletti for a deep dive into the pathway, progress, and future of the Kickers' academy system. Coach Cappelletti reflects on the team's showing in the Pathway Cup, where strong performances didn't translate to advancement but revealed growth, resilience, and standout moments — including Grafton Kahl's selection to the tournament Best XI.We look ahead to the upcoming season, discussing how last year's semi-final run and back-to-back South Atlantic Division titles have elevated expectations and helped shape the team's identity. Coach Cappelletti also breaks down preparations for the USL Academy Cup, the exciting development of players stepping into college soccer, and the next wave of talent ready to make their mark.Whether you follow the academy closely or want to understand how the club builds its future stars, this conversation offers insight into the philosophy, standards, and ambition driving the U-20s into Season 2.

On this episode, we sit down with the legend himself — Emiliano Terzaghi. We talk about his journey to Richmond, what made his run so special, his connection with the supporters, and the moments he will carry with him forever. From the Golden Boots to the Henny Derbies, from first impressions to the legacy he leaves behind — this is a full, honest conversation with the greatest goalscorer in USL League One history. This is Emiliano in his own words.

It's the biggest episode of the year. On this special edition, we sit down and close the book on the 2025 Richmond Kickers season. We break down who we think is staying, who could be leaving, and what the club's biggest needs are heading into the offseason. We circle back to our preseason predictions to see what we got right—and what we absolutely did not. We also go through the fan end-of-year survey results and react to what you all had to say.This is our full season wrap show: the highs, the lows, the iconic 5-1 Henny Derby win, the painful mid-season droughts, the breakout moments, and the final farewell to some club legends. It's a full, honest, season autopsy—and what Richmond's next steps must be to get back where they belong in 2026.

The Richmond Kickers closed out the 2025 season in royal fashion — smashing five goals past Forward Madison to win the final Henny Derby of the year and deny their rivals a playoff spot.

The regular season finale is here — and there's still plenty at stake. After a 2-0 loss to AV Alta, the Richmond Kickers now face their Henny Derby rivals, Forward Madison, in a matchup loaded with meaning. A Madison win could clinch them a playoff spot, while Richmond's loss could seal the Wooden Spoon. In this episode, we break down the defeat to AV Alta, what went wrong, and what the team needs to show in the final game to end the season with pride. We also answer listener questions about tactics, mentality, and what needs to change heading into 2026.

In this month's Coaches Show, we sit down with Richmond Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky for an honest and in-depth conversation about the team's journey so far. We break down the recent matches, the shift to a 3-5-2 formation, the challenges of balancing injuries and consistency, and the mentality inside the locker room as the season winds down. Coach Sawatzky opens up about leadership, player development, and what comes next as the Kickers look to finish strong and build toward the future.

A wild weekend for the Richmond Kickers — and not in the way fans hoped. After a 1-0 loss to Texoma, the Kickers' slim playoff hopes officially vanished, leaving the team battling to avoid the wooden spoon in the final stretch. In this episode, we break down the match, talk about what went wrong, and reflect on how the season unraveled. We also discuss Mika's move to become head coach of Sarasota SC — USL League One's newest club — and close things out by answering a few of your listener questions.

The Kickers pull off a shock result — a 2-1 win over top-of-the-table One Knox! In this episode, we break down how Richmond found their fight, with Simon Fitch celebrating his 100th cap in style by providing two key assists. We discuss what went right tactically, how this result keeps the Kickers' playoff hopes mathematically alive, and what it means heading into the final stretch of the season.

Richmond fell 4-2 on the road to South Georgia Tormenta, but instead of breaking down the loss, we switched things up this week. In this episode, we dive into your listener questions — covering everything from lineup choices and tactics to long-term outlook and what the Kickers need to do to turn things around. A different kind of episode, fueled by your voices.

In this episode, we break down a tough stretch for the Richmond Kickers, who fell 5-2 at home to Portland Hearts of Pine midweek and followed it up with a 3-2 defeat against Charlotte Independence. We dive into the defensive lapses, midfield struggles, and where the breakdowns are happening, but also highlight the bright spots in attack that continue to show promise. Plus, we discuss what needs to change if Richmond is going to bounce back and keep their season alive.

In this episode of, we break down all the highs and lows from the latest Henny Derby clash between Richmond and Forward Madison. We dive into what went right, what needs fixing, and how the team can build momentum heading into a crucial stretch. With two big home games on the horizon against Portland Hearts of Pine and Charlotte Independence, we look at the challenges and opportunities that await.

On this week's Final Whistle, we sat down with Coach Sawatzky to dive deep into the Kickers' current run of form. He shared his thoughts on the 3-5-2 system, what's clicking during this two-game winning streak, and how the team plans to keep the momentum rolling.From tactical tweaks to building confidence, this episode gives you the inside look straight from the gaffer himself. Don't miss it! #UpTheKickers

In this episode, we recap Richmond's 2-0 road win at Westchester, highlighted by Emi's spectacular early bicycle kick and Landon Johnson's breakaway finish off a goalkeeper error. We also dive into how the Kickers controlled the match, the momentum this result builds, and what it means moving forward in the season.

In this week's episode of Rivercity 93, we dive into a busy stretch against One Knox that saw Richmond split results at City Stadium. Wednesday brought a frustrating 2–0 home loss where the Kickers looked out of sync and struggled to create chances. But by Saturday, Darren's side bounced back with a much-needed 1–0 win, showing sharper energy and better organization.We break down the ongoing 3-5-2 setup — what's clicking, where the gaps remain, and how the system has shaped both matches against One Knox. With 10 games left in the season and a rare 10-day break ahead, we also look at how this pause could be used to reset, regroup, and prepare for the final stretch.It's a conversation about lessons learned, adjustments made, and what this latest chapter says about the Kickers' fight moving forward.

In this episode, we break down Richmond's 3–2 loss to South Georgia Tormenta — a match defined by costly lapses in midfield and defense that ultimately gifted Tormenta all three points. Despite the defeat, there were some bright spots, including a quality link-up goal between Darwin and Emiliano that reminded us what this attack is capable of when it clicks. We talk about how the match slipped away, what the late push showed us, and whether any momentum can actually be taken from a loss like this heading into the final stretch of the season.

We recap the Kickers' 0-0 road draw against Portland Hearts of Pine, highlighting a gritty defensive effort and the Red Army's strong away-day presence. With just 10 games left, we discuss how Coach Darren can build on this point to spark a late-season push.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we break down the Richmond Kickers' 1-2 home loss to FC Naples. The team debuted a 3-5-2 formation and saw rookie Landon Johnson net his first professional goal—a bright moment in an otherwise frustrating night. We discuss how the tactical shift impacted the game, what still isn't working defensively, and whether the new shape is a sign of things to come. Plus, we reflect on the team's ongoing struggles and what needs to change heading into the next stretch of the season.

In this episode, we hit pause on breaking down another tough loss and instead turn the mic toward you — our listeners. We dive into your questions on everything from tactics and transfers to coaching decisions, youth development, and how the squad can turn things around. It's an honest, wide-ranging conversation powered by the Kickers community.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we recap the midseason friendly between the Richmond Kickers and CD Leganés, which ended in a solid 1–1 draw, offering a brief moment of cohesion. But the optimism didn't last long, as the Kickers returned to league play with a 2–0 road loss to Greenville Triumph. We break down the growing injury concerns, the continuing struggles in attack, and how disjointed play in the final third is costing Richmond crucial points.

The regular season has come to a close, and the Vinecast crew is here to break it all down. From the final whistle to the last standings shake-up, we cover how the Richmond IVY finished, the key moments that defined the campaign, and what it all means moving forward. Whether it's heartbreak, celebration, or something in between — we've got every angle of the season's final day

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we break down the Richmond Kickers' 0–2 home loss to Chattanooga Red Wolves—a match that saw Nils Seufert exit early with injury, no shots on goal until late, and two second-half goals conceded in quick succession.It's now been three months without a home win, and frustration is boiling over. We dig into what went wrong, what Nils' injury could mean moving forward, and what has to change if this team wants to salvage the season.

In this midseason edition of the Rivercity 93 Coaches Show, we sit down with Head Coach Darren Sawatzky to reflect on the Richmond Kickers' season so far. With the team sitting 8th in USL League One and struggling to find wins at home since April, Coach Sawatzky offers honest insight into what's working, what needs to improve, and how the squad is using the break to reset.We talk home form frustrations, player development, tactical tweaks, and the path forward as the Roos look to climb back into playoff contention in the second half of the season.

With the 2025 USL League One season halfway done, Rivercity 93 takes a deep dive into where the Richmond Kickers stand. From promising flashes to frustrating patterns, we grade the team's performance so far, break down what's working (and what's not), and ask the big questions about tactics, player impact, and how this season can still be salvaged.We highlight standout performers, identify the biggest red flags, share bold predictions, and answer the ultimate question: can the Kickers still make a run, or is it time to reset expectations?

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we dive into the chaotic but thrilling 4–3 road win over Union Omaha. Josh Kirkland bags a brace, Emil Billhardt returns from injury and scores, and the Kickers finally get three points in a high-scoring affair.We also touch on the 0–3 Jäger Cup loss to Lexington SC and highlight the few players who stood out despite the result. Plus, we take time to answer some listener questions on squad rotation, momentum, and what comes next.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we break down the Kickers' 1–0 home loss to Spokane—a match that saw just five shots on goal, none on target, and only 37% possession.We dive into growing fan frustration, both with on-field performances and off-field direction, and ask the big question: how do you turn the ship around when it feels like it's stuck in reverse? It's a tough conversation, but a necessary one.

With a few matchdays in the books, the crew takes a step back to assess the Richmond IVY's season so far. From standout performances to frustrating moments, we break down each game, highlight the highs and lows, and dig into what's been working — and what hasn't. Plus, we look ahead at what the rest of the season could bring and what the IVY need to do to stay competitive. It's a full-field view of the journey so far.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we dive into one of the strangest matchdays yet. The Richmond Kickers' match against One Knoxville was postponed after Pablo Jara “broke” the goal with a thunderous free kick attempt during warmups.We talk through what happened, how the team handled the chaos, and answer some great listener questions about form, mentality, and what comes next.

On Episode 4 of The Final Whistle, we break down a frustrating run of form as the team remains winless in four. While the attack is showing real promise, midfield sloppiness and costly turnovers continue to leak goals and undo good work in the future.We highlight the players who've stepped up over the past month, check in on the U-20s' progress, and look ahead to the next stretch of games with cautious optimism and a critical eye.

In this quick-hit episode of Rivercity 93, we break down Matt Turner's transfer from Nottingham Forest to Olympique Lyonnais—and why it's a big deal for the Richmond Kickers.We explain how FIFA's solidarity payment system works, estimate what Richmond might earn from the move, and discuss how that unexpected money could impact the club. From development recognition to potential reinvestment, this is a win that goes beyond the field.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we unpack Richmond's frustrating 2–1 loss to Texoma—a match where all-too-familiar issues resurfaced. From sloppy passing to poor tracking and defensive lapses, the Kickers gave away another winnable game. We dive into what's going wrong, why these mistakes keep happening, and why it's perfectly valid for fans to feel annoyed at this point in the season.

In this episode of Rivercity 93, we break down Richmond's hard-fought 1–0 loss to NCFC, decided by an 80th-minute goal that slipped through an otherwise solid defensive setup. The Kickers showed tactical flexibility, frequently dropping into a back five with Dak helping anchor the line, and Pablo Jara delivered his best performance in goal since joining the club—making multiple key saves to keep the team in it.But despite the improved defensive shape, Richmond struggled again on set pieces and couldn't convert one-on-one chances. We dig into what worked, what didn't, and what needs to change moving forward.Plus, we revisit the ongoing questions around creativity in the final third, missed opportunities, and what the team's ceiling really looks like with this system.

Strap in for a chaotic matchday recap as Richmond's team bus breaks down and the squad is forced to Uber to the stadium. On the field, defensive mistakes dig an early hole, but Darwin Espinal and Matt Bolduc claw the Kickers back for a 2-2 draw against Westchester. We break down the goals, tactical changes, and standout performances—including Beckett Howell's first assist and Darwin's all-action display.Plus, we ask: how should we line up vs NCFC, and what does this result mean moving forward?Also featuring a special 60-second ad read from the USLPA's Support Your Local Footballer campaign.