RICHMOND, VA - Over the weekend, the Richmond Kickers hosted Forward Madison for the 21st meeting between the two, since USL League One began. The Henny Derby is such an important part of the tapestry of the league and the history between these two fanbases - that its history as a friendly competition between supporters is always worth a mention. Check out our timeless piece on that HERE.

Leg one of the derby, when the Mingos hosted the Roos at Breese Stevens, ended 4-0 to the home side with a brace by Kerfalla Toure and additional goals from Carmichael and Annor. The season since then has continued to go well for Forward Madison and they find themselves fighting for, not only a playoff spot, but a possible home field advantage, as we slide into September. When these two met for this fixture, on decision day of 2025, things were not as secure for the Mingos and Richmond throttled them 5-1; dragging the Mingos down and out of the playoffs alongside them.

Playing at City Stadium is always a tough ask and FMFC Head Coach Matt Gleaser knew he had to rip home advantage away as quickly as possible. Roman Torres accommodated the gaffer’s wishes and hit a candidate for goal of the week in from distance. Richmond Coach, Brian Ownby stuck to his gameplan and the Kickers were able to have a slight advantage in possession; however, they were unable to retain possession for meaningful spells, losing the ball 14 times and having the poorer of duels success rate and aerial duels.

Any thought of equaling was extinguished when Edwin Munjoma (Roman Torres asst) made it two for the visitors. Ownby tried to impact the match by making four subs, two in the 63rd and two in the 76th, but the biggest impact game in extra time when Hayden Anderson earned a yellow for “arguing.” He then got a straight red for a serious foul just moments later and the Kickers were reduced to 10. Unexpectedly, in the 6th minute of extra time, Tarrik Pannholzer received a huge switch, drove into the far side channel, and snuck a ball into the box where Joshua Kirkland was all limbs and desperation and able to scratch one back.

There were silver linings in this performance for Richmond; moments of impressive play and hints of creativity. Ultimately, the loss and the Cosmos’ away draw to Union Omaha, sees the Kickers hit bottom. Mathematically, Richmond is still in this season - there are 30 points left to go and take. Although that is as unlikely as anything we’ve seen in this unpredictable league, the Roos have to play like they’re still in it to salvage any face for the season.

We were fortunate enough to have a local photographer, Jessica Hendricks, on the ground for the second leg of this year’s clash between the two sides and are infinitely grateful for her sharing her hard work, please give her a follow on IG HERE.

photos by Jessica Hendricks
written by Joshua Duder