After a bye in the opening weekend of the 2022 USL League One season, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC headed to Virginia for their first ever league match, against the Richmond Kickers.
The league opener comes on the heels of a 1-0 “cupset” in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round at USL Championship side the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, while the Richmond started its league campaign last week with a 4-0 win over FC Tucson that put them in first place after the first week.
The match started slowly, with both teams getting half chances that could have resulted in an early goal, but it remained 0-0 until the 36th minute when a cross from Denso Ulysse was controlled by Ethan Vanacore-Decker, and he found the back of the net for Hailstorm FC’s first-ever league goal.
“It felt great, finally getting my first goal of the year in the first game (of the league),” said Vanacore-Decker. “After a tough season last year, it does, it feels great, I’m excited.”
Early in the second half a lovely long ball from Parra set Vanacore-Decker free, and he was almost able to score his second goal but it was blocked by the Richmond keeper and sent out for a corner.
The Kickers equalized in the 54th minute though when a long throw in was flicked on and eventually was finished by Emiliano Terzaghi, the league’s reigning Golden Boot winner.
Late in the game, Parra let rip a shot that would have been a late winner, but it was taken by the keeper.
Owen Damm, who came on as a sub in the U.S. Open Cup, made his first start in his professional career tonight.
“It feels good,” said Damm. “I’m super thankful for the opportunity that the Hailstorm have given me. They have opened their arms and made it really easy for me to make my debut and perform pretty well. I’m really happy with it.”
POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET
Richmond Kickers vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC | 4/9/22 – City Stadium, Richmond, VA
Head Coach Éamon Zayed
On the game and week as a whole…
We are disappointed with the draw away from home; to have the lead and lose it. But I think that goes to show the expectation we have as a team. I am so proud of this team for everything they accomplished this week, beating Switchbacks in the fashion we did, to go on the road and pick up a point is big. We’re disappointed about today but I can’t be prouder of what they did and accomplished this week.
On the loanees from Louisville City…
Danny has had two great games, keeping a clean sheet last time out, and he couldn’t have done anything about the goal today but he made some vital saves that kept it to one goal. Owen made his professional debut this week and has been fantastic. He’s only 18 years of age, and he looks like he’s been out there more than just two pro games.
Forward Ethan Vanacore-Decker
On opening his scoring campaign and scoring the first league goal in club history…
Felt great, finally getting my first goal of the year in the first game (of the league). After a tough season last year, it does, it feels great, I’m excited. Wish we could have closed out the game and got the three points on the road after a great week we had, playing Switchbacks and beating them. A point on the road in this league isn’t bad, against a good team as well. I’m excited for next week and hopefully more goals to come.
Fullback Owen Damm
On making his first professional career start…
It feels good. I’m super thankful for the opportunity that the Hailstorm have given me. They have opened their arms and made it really easy for me to make my debut and perform pretty well. I’m really happy with it.