Three Saturdays ago, Spencer Richey had to retrieve the ball out of his net seven times. FC Cincinnati were pummeled 7-1.
In the two weeks since, the Orange and Blue have won consecutive matches and have a results-based momentum the first time this summer. As for Richey, he just recorded six saves against the Chicago Fire – which ties his career-high mark that he set May 1 at the Philadelphia Union.
“Momentum is insane in this league,” Richey said after the 2-1 win at the Chicago Fire. “It’s just a switch, it’s something that clicks in the locker room with guys’ mentality and you can turn your season around.”
Of Richey’s six saves against Chicago, his best was a penalty save against Nicolás Gaitán, who missed another penalty earlier in the first half. While Gaitán was able to score off the rebound form Richey’s save, the moment showed the goalkeeper’s ability to produce under intense pressure.
He’s already stopped two penalties this season, making him one of only three goalkeepers in MLS to achieve that so far this season.
His performance Saturday only reiterated his quality and why Cincinnati brought him from USL to MLS this season.
“Unfortunately, the penalty save didn’t end up really helping the scoreline, given that he just finished the rebound, but I was more happy with how we managed the game as a back five, a back seven.
“It’s really difficult to win on the road in this league and their team has a lot of good attacking pieces up front, so it’s a huge win for us.”
