RICHMOND, Va. — Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC tied a USL League One record with their third consecutive clean sheet to open the season in a 0-0 draw with the Richmond Kickers.
“We’re unbeaten, major positive. We haven’t conceded a goal in three league games away from home, major positive,” Hailstorm FC head coach Éamon Zayed said.
The only other team in league history to start the season with three clean sheets was the 2021 Union Omaha side that went on to win the championship that season.
“The boys have done a tremendous job,” Hailstorm goalkeeper Lalo Delgado said. “It’s not just me. It comes from everyone.”
Hailstorm (1-0-2, 5 points) started the game against Richmond (1-1-2, 5 points) well, holding more of the ball and the territory in the early stages. Midfielder Stefan Lukic had the first shot on target in the 18th minute. It was the only shot on target for either side in the first half.
“They transitioned well, so whenever we were breaking they always had men behind the ball,” Hailstorm forward Billy King said.
Subbed on at halftime, Hailstorm forward Donald Benamna fashioned a big chance in the 55th minute, but his shot went wide. Three minutes later Richmond defender Nathan Aune had his team’s first shot on target but Delgado was up to the task, keeping the game scoreless.
Richmond had another chance from a corner in the 68th minute, but the shot hit the side netting.
Both teams got their second and final shot on target in second half stoppage time, with Hailstorm defender Bruno Rendon getting onto the end of a cross and putting a header on goal and Richmond forward Matthew Bradley putting one on goal from outside the box.
“I think it’s an all-around team effort,” Zayed said. “The guys are working extremely hard every single game. They’re fighting for every single ball.”
Hailstorm FC have a week off from USL League One play next weekend, so their next game is the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Colorado Rapids at 7 p.m. on April 26 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.
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The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.