May 10, 2016 USL Toronto FC II--Toronto FC II vs. Richmond Kickers preview (from torontofc.ca)
Match Preview: TFC II vs. Richmond Kickers May 10, 2016 3:37 PM EDT Devang Desai torontofc.ca Who: TFC II (1-3-2, 5pts) vs. Richmond Kickers (4-2-1, 13pts) When: Wednesday, May 11 at 11:30AM Where: Ontario Soccer Centre Tickets: bit.ly/1RnrbwZ Livestream: tfc2.ca Toronto FC II returns to the Ontario Soccer Centre this Wednesday for a special school day match against the Richmond Kickers. The two clubs met on April 30 at City Stadium where the Kickers prevailed 1-0 thanks to Brian Ownby’s goal in the 10th minute. The Young Reds are in a three-game losing streak and will be without their leading scorer for Wednesday morning’s match. Raheem Edward’s fantastic start to the season was noticed by Canada Soccer, who called him up for the U23 tour of the Caribbean. Standout centre-back Skylar Thomas, midfielder Chris Mannella and striker Jordan Hamilton also received the call. Others will have to step up for head coach Jason Bent in their absence, including Malik Johnson, who stole the show earlier this season against FC Montreal with a goal that quickly went viral due Johnson’s Messi-like moves. “A chance like this is big for the players who haven’t received many minutes this season to show the coaching staff they have something to prove,” said Johnson before training on Tuesday at the KIA Training Ground. Sal Bernal is another player that could benefit from the absences of the Canadian call ups. “First of all we’re happy for them for getting called up,” added Bernal. “Players are going to have to step up.” Creativity in the final third and finishing their chances is something the Young Reds have been working on in training. We’ll see how much progress they’ve made on Wednesday. Players to Watch Yudai Imura. The Japanese midfielder missed the last match against the Young Reds with a hamstring injury but he continues to lead the Kickers in scoring with three goals. If healthy TFC II will have to stifle his efforts in earnest for a chance at a win. Matt Turner. Turner stepped in after a season ending injury to starting goalkeeper Ryan Taylor. The Revolution backup has starred for Kickers ever since, recording two clean sheets in two games. Toronto FC II take on Richmond Kickers this Wednesday, May 11 at 11:30 AM ET. Follow along on Twitter @TorontoFCII using the hashtag #TORvRIC and watch the action via livestream at tfc2.ca
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