USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Suffer 2-0 Loss In Baltimore

Published on May 4, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers dropped a 2-0 decision to Crystal Palace Baltimore tonight. Baltimore forward Gary Brooks headed home the first goal, unmarked in the 19th minute. Despite several close chances, the Kickers were unable to level the score, into the second half. Midfielder Val Texeira sealed the victory with a second tally in the 65th minute.

Crystal Palace Baltimore opened scoring with an early tally by forward Gary Brooks. Andrew Marshall sent a cross from the right side, which sailed over two defenders, finding Brooks open at the far post. Eight yards out, he was well-positioned to finish with a header into the far corner.

Not long after, a free kick from the left side found Kickers midfielder Mike Burke at the 18-yard line. He sent the ball into the box, where defender Kelvin Jones was waiting at the near post. The ball took one bounce in front of the target but Jones misfired just over the goal.

The Kickers created another chance when midfielder Luke Vercollone played the ball to Sascha Görres, who unleashed an open strike from seven yards out but his attempt sailed just wide left.

The score remained in Baltimore's favor as the end of the first half neared, thanks to a heroic save by Palace's goalkeeper Matt Nelson. Burke again played the ball to Vercollone on the right side who fired a rocket from a difficult angle to the upper 90, but the 'keeper's leaping save preserved the shutout.

The victory was sealed for Crystal Palace in the 65th minute when Brooks got a flick on a long throw in from the right side, redirecting it to midfielder Val Texeira. Texeria trapped the ball, three yards out, and with time, chose his corner, despite Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale's best efforts.

The Kickers travel to Western Mass on Saturday, May 17th before returning home to host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, May 24th.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 4, 2008


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