Romaine Métanire was quick to remind the Richmond Kickers who scored the first goal against them this season during the Spokane Velocity FC home opener just over a month ago.
At the 33rd-minute mark on Saturday at Richmond’s City Stadium, the seasoned defender showcased his finesse by artfully slotting the ball into the back of the net. In a one-on-one duel with Richmond Kickers’ keeper Pablo Jara, he displayed remarkable skill from the right flank, capitalizing on a precise pass from midfielder Collin Fernandez.
It was the first of two goals on the night for Velocity, who took the match 2-0 elevating them to the top of the table for week 7 of the season. Spokane Velocity, who are coming off a draw at Lexington on Sunday and a tough loss in extra time against Las Vegas on Wednesday in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, improve to 3-2-1 in USL League One play. The win marks Velocity’s first league sweep and first road victory of the season, putting the squad in a better position as they prepare for a five-match home stand.
If Velocity were wiped out from eight days of cross country travel – they logged more than 7,500 miles since flying to Lexington, Kentucky last week – it didn’t show in the early minutes of the match. Spokane dominated in the opening 15 minutes, logging three shots on goal and 60% of the possession. Richmond’s fortunes improved somewhat after Métanire’s goal; by the 35-minute mark the Kickers were leading the shots category, 5-4, but had none on target. As the first half ticked away, Velocity keeper Carlos Merancio made a leaping catch of a Richmond free kick, protecting Spokane’s lead into the half.
“We had a very good first half,” reflected Métanire, “being good with ball possession and being the most dangerous and enterprising team on the field. I didn’t see a single player cheat, and especially, the players who came on did a remarkable job helping the team.”
Velocity doubled the advantage at the 73-minute mark on a spectacular goal from midfielder Andre Lewis, with an assist by midfielder Pierre Reedy. Reedy dribbled past three defenders off the left side and cut the ball back to midfielder Lewis, who laced it past the Richmond goalie from the top of the box. Lewis is now tied with Luis Gil for the Velocity’s leading scorer this season, with three goals each.
“I thought the guys put in a fantastic performance tonight,” said Fernandez. “We said that we wanted to get three points out of this game and we would do whatever it took. I’m happy to see we took that into action tonight.”
After mindfielder Kimarni Smith went one-on-one with Richmond’s Jara, and Jara came up with a big save at minute 82, Richmond went on the attack. The Kickers had their first shot on goal, with an effort from 20 yards out, but Merancio made the save. The Kickers kept up the pressure in the waning minutes of the match, but by that point it didn’t matter – Velocity kicked off the match with their strong defensive block, giving up only one shot on target all match by keeping the ball in front of them. Richmond led with shots (9-8) and possession (58-42), but Spokane’s scoring prowess proved too much to overcome.
“Awesome performance from the guys,” commented Merancio. “It’s been a hard week with a lot of traveling and playing extra time, and we put all the effort tonight to get the 3 points. Everyone on this roster was amazing this week, this result is from the whole squad.”
Velocity FC 5-match home stand begins next weekend as they take on Central Valley Fuego FC at ONE Spokane Stadium.
Can’t get enough of the action? Grab your tickets for when Velocity FC takes on Fuego FC at ONE Spokane Stadium on April 27!