Match Report (R2 Open Cup) - Richmond Kickers 1 - 0 Loudoun United

25 year-old, Brazilian Forward, Lucca Dourado delivered the game winner for the Kickers at the death (90+6')

Richmond, VA — The Richmond Kickers advanced to the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over in-state rivals Loudoun United FC on Wednesday night at City Stadium.

In a contested cup match, both sides displayed strong defensive organization and allowed few chance creations. Richmond proved slightly more dangerous in the first half, generating several opportunities but failing to convert.

Joshua Kirkland came close in the 17th minute, sending a left-footed effort just wide of the target. Honduran forward Darwin Espinal was also active, narrowly missing from distance in the 27th minute before forcing a save from Loudoun goalkeeper Ethan Bandré with a low strike toward the bottom corner. Late in the half, Mujeeb Murana saw his shot blocked inside the box after a buildup involving Tarik Pannholzer.

Loudoun United struggled to create consistent danger, with Elvis Amoh sending attempts off target and Pedro Santos coming closest on a direct free kick that sailed just over the bar.

The match remained level into the second half, with both teams searching for a breakthrough that would avoid extra time. That moment finally arrived in stoppage time after super-sub, Brazilian Lucca Dourado delivered the decisive strike in the 90+6th minute, finishing a well-worked sequence with a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner. The play began with Hayden Anderson advancing down the left flank before finding Pannholzer, whose delivery set up Dourado for the late winner.

Loudoun had one final opportunity to equalize moments later, earning a free kick at the top of the box in the 91st minute. However, the attempt struck the wall, and the follow-up effort was saved by Richmond goalkeeper Yan Fillion, preserving the clean sheet.

Richmond head coach Darren Sawatzky praised his team’s determination after the match.

“I’m happy for them. The resilience of the guys that fought through injury and illness. The guys really needed that,” Sawatzky said. “They earned it.”

With the result, the Kickers secured an upset victory over a higher-division opponent and improved their all-time U.S. Open Cup record at City Stadium to 31-9-2.

Three Points

1. Cupset: The Richmond Kickers, representing USL League One, defeated USL Championship side Loudoun United, improving their U.S. Open Cup record against their in-state rivals.

2. Fillion Clean Sheet: Goalkeeper Yan Fillion recorded two saves and his second consecutive clean sheet in this year’s tournament, following a shutout victory in the opening round.

3. Historic and Clinical Home Form: Richmond continues to be dominant at City Stadium in Open Cup play, boasting a 31-9-2 all-time record at home.

Starting XI

Richmond Kickers:

Fillion; Barnathan, Anderson, Layton, Sasankhah; Kirkland (Johnson 90+1’), Pannholzer, O’Malley (Amer 82’); Espinal (Dourado 70’), Vinberg, Murana

Loudoun United FC:

Bandré; Adnan (Panayotou 90+7’), Essengue, Akinyode, Niyongabire (Piras 45’); Young (Dias 66’), Murphy (C), Robinson (Awuah 66’); Pedro Santos, Ordoñez, Amoh (Ulfarsson 66’)

Scoring Summary

Richmond Kickers:

Dourado 90+6’

Loudoun United FC: None

Misconduct Summary

Richmond Kickers:

Sasankhah (yellow) 84’

Pannholzer (yellow) 90+2’

Fillion (yellow) 90+8’

Loudoun United FC:

Dias (yellow) 86’

Next Match in League and Open Cup

In USL 1, the Kickers will travel to the state of Washington to face Spokane Velocity at 9:30pm EST. In USL Championship, Loudoun will host Birmingham Legion in Segra Field at 5:00pm EST.

In the Open Cup, The Richmond Kickers will host MLS side Columbus Crew in the Round of 32. Kickoff details will be announced at a later date.

A very disputed game between Loudoun and Richmond.