USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers edge Baltimore 2-1

Published on July 18, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


BALTIMORE, MD - The Richmond Kickers remain in first place in the standings after edging Crystal Palace Baltimore 2-1 on Saturday at UMBC Stadium. A scoreless first half gave way to a pair of Kickers goals after the restart when midfielder Joey Worthen converted a corner kick and leading scorer Matthew Delicate volleyed home a second tally soon after. Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale narrowly missed the shutout courtesy of forward Jordan Seabrook who put Palace on the scoreboard in the 88th minute. The Kickers return home next Saturday, July 25th to host the Champions of Guatemala, CSD Comunicaciones in an historic international exhibition at UR Stadium.

With few chances materializing on either side of the pitch to start the match, the Kickers and Palace battled in the midfield before a close call nearly gave the Kickers the lead. A streaking David Bulow raced through the midfield on a breakaway and volleyed a bouncing ball on target but goalkeeper Brian Rowland was able to make a heroic save to keep the Kickers at bay.

Following a nil-nil first half, the Kickers broke the ice in the 61st minute after midfielder Mike Burke directed a free kick on goal. Although his strike appeared to have crossed the line, Rowland was able to punch the ball from harm's way. Burke lined up the resultant corner kick and delivered an inswinger into the box, finding Worthen at the near post. His close-range header sailed past a diving Rowland for the Kickers first goal of the night.

Fifteen minutes later, the Kickers doubled the score when midfielder Luke Vercollone played the ball into the box. Attempting to clear it, a Palace defender headed it directly to an onrushing Delicate who fired a left-footed volley to the far post.

The Kickers attempted to hold onto the shutout but Baltimore cut the deficit with two minutes remaining in regulation. Seabrook made a good run down the left wing, eluding defenders as he approached the box. With his left foot, he unleashed a well-placed shot to the upper right corner that goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale could not challenge.

The Richmond Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium to host Club Social y Deportivo Comunicaciones, Champions of the Guatemalan First Division, Liga Nacional, on Saturday, July 25th. The match marks the first time in history the Guatemalan First Division team will play in Richmond. The 2008/2009 champions will take on the Kickers in a historic international exhibition at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now via RichmondKickers.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 18, 2009


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