Know Your Enemy: AV Alta FC, Round Two

The Kickers return home this weekend looking to snap a 10-match winless streak that has produced just two points. Sitting uncomfortably close to the bottom of the table, they'll host AV Alta FC on Saturday.

It's the second meeting between the sides this season after they opened the campaign in Lancaster, California. That match ended in a 1-1 draw, which at the time looked like a respectable road result.

Since then, the clubs have taken very different paths. AV Alta didn't earn its first win until May 9, but has added six more victories since and now sits seventh in the standings. While its recent form has cooled to 1-2-2 over the last five matches, it's still a dangerous opponent for a Richmond side searching for confidence.

The last time we previewed AV Alta, both clubs were still introducing their new-look squads. A lot has changed in a few months. One of the four players we highlighted has since transferred to Corpus Christi (Javier Mariona), while two others, Collin Anderson and Mathias Winum, haven't developed into the impact players we expected.

As we head into August, here are four AV Alta players Richmond fans should keep an eye on.

Jerry Desdunes, FW #7

We featured the 25-year-old winger-turned-striker the last time these teams met, and since then he's exceeded expectations to the point of entering the league MVP conversation.

Card courtesy of USL Tactics

Desdunes has six goals and five assists in league play while also sharing the league lead with 39 chances created. Few players in League One are more dangerous heading into the final months of the season.

Head coach Brian Kleiban began the year using Desdunes on the wing before moving him into central attacking midfield and striker. The change unlocked his game. He can score from almost anywhere, thrives in transition, and punishes defensive mistakes with his speed, close control, and powerful finishing.

Despite playing in more advanced positions, Desdunes has retained the creativity that made him effective as a winger. He's just as capable of setting up teammates as he is finishing chances himself. AV Alta has lost only once in the 10 matches where he's recorded at least one goal contribution.

Adam Aoumaich, MF #18

After a quiet rookie season with Union Omaha, the French midfielder joined AV Alta late in the 2025 season. Mostly used as a reserve, he made a handful of starts and finished with three assists.

The River City Red Army is Acutely Aware.

This year has been a different story.

Kleiban's decision to move Desdunes inside opened a regular spot on the left side of midfield, and Aoumaich has taken full advantage. He's an energetic box-to-box player who wins ground duels, creates chances, and uses his size to arrive in dangerous scoring positions.

He now leads AV Alta with seven goals, tied for fifth in League One, and has entered the conversation as an outside Golden Boot contender.

Jimmie Villalobos, MF #21

The longtime USL veteran and club captain has been the heartbeat of AV Alta's midfield since joining ahead of the club's inaugural season in 2025.

Operating as the holding midfielder and primary distributor, Villalobos is involved in nearly every possession. Unsurprisingly, he ranks among the league leaders in total passes.

After an underwhelming loan spell with Forward Madison in 2024, Villalobos bounced back with five goals during AV Alta's inaugural season. This year, his influence has been less about statistics and more about controlling matches, organizing the midfield, and providing the leadership that has helped AV Alta climb the table.

Cesar Bahena, FW/MF #99

Bahena played just 29 minutes against Richmond in the season opener, but afterwords earned a place in the starting lineup.

The rookie made an immediate impact on the right wing with two assists in his first four starts before transitioning into more of a second-striker role. Since June 10, he's added three goals.

He's an excellent passer in the attacking third and is tied with Villalobos for third on the team with 19 chances created. As he's settled into his new position, he's also become more aggressive in front of goal, ranking second on the team with 28 shots.

Richmond Kickers vs. AV Alta FC: How to Watch

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, at City Stadium. If you can't make it to the match, it will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Main image credit AV Alta FC