The Richmond Kickers (7-17-5) came up short in their first visit to USL League One newcomer AV Alta FC, falling 2-0 despite creating several scoring chances.

Richmond started the match aggressively, earning a corner in the sixth minute. Simon Fitch delivered the ball into the box, finding Josh Kirkland, who quickly fed Maxi Schenfeld. Schenfeld’s shot was blocked by an AV Alta defender, keeping the score level. 

In the 25th minute, Nils Seufert broke free and sent the ball to Kirkland on the left side. The forward carried it into the box but was unable to beat the California side’s organized defense. 

AV Alta opened the scoring in the 40th minute, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. Richmond’s halftime substitutions included 17-year-old Richmond native Grafton Kahl, marking his second professional appearance of the season. 

In the 53rd minute, AV Alta threatened with a breakaway, but Richmond goalkeeper James Sneddon dived to deny the attempt. The home team extended its lead nearly 10 minutes later with a free-kick goal. 

Richmond continued to press late in the game. In the 86th minute, the Kickers earned another corner. Fitch sent a ball to James Vaughan on the right side, who passed to Griffin Garnett for a header that sailed just over the crossbar. 

Sneddon remained solid in extra time, blocking another AV Alta effort to preserve the 2-0 final. 

The Kickers return home to City Stadium in their season finale on Saturday, Oct. 25 as they host Forward Madison for Fan Appreciation Night presented by Feed More.