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Richmond Kickers

Richmond Falls to Crystal Palace 3-0

July 28, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers fell to Crystal Palace of the English Premier League Monday night 3-0 in front of a record-setting crowd of 7,851 at City Stadium. The match marked the end of Crystal Palace's tour of the United States, and goals from Peter Ramage, Glenn Murray, and an own goal saw the visitors end their trip on a winning note.

The game got off to a slow start with Richmond enjoying a fair share of the first-half possession, and some success down the right side.

Richmond would have their first chance of the game in the 19th minute. A long ball was played forward in the direction of forward Jason Yeisley. The ball was dangerous enough to bring keeper Wayne Hennessey off his line, who then collided with Yeisley. Yeisley found himself with the ball after the scramble but his shot hit the outside of the left side netting.

Richmond's best chance of the half would come in the 22nd minute when a Sascha Görres pass sprung George Davis IV down the left. Davis' cross found Matt Delicâte outside the six-yard box, and the Kickers leading goal-scorer's powerful header missed just to the right.

Crystal Palace nearly had their first of the game in the 32nd minute on a Dwight Gayle shot. Yannick Bolasie carried the ball down the left side before finding Gayle inside the six-yard box. Gayle's effort hit the inside of the left post, and bounced along the goal-line before being cleared by Görres.

Palace broke the ice in the 34th minute on a free kick by Jason Puncheon. Richmond midfielder Luke Vercollone could not clear Puncheon's ball away, as Peter Ramage capitalized by beating the keeper with a determined header.

Richmond tried to find their answer in the 45th minute when Hugh Roberts found Samuel Asante down the right side, who eluded Mile Jedinak and used his newfound space to cut a ball to Davis IV at the top of the box, but his shot was deflected over the bar by a defender.

Palace's final chance of the half came in stoppage time. Puncheon found Bolasie to the left of the penalty spot. Bolasie's low shot was pushed away by keeper Ryan Taylor, and Gayle couldn't get his foot on the redirect.

Palace carried their momentum into the second half with their first chance coming in the 51st minute. Puncheon danced to the end-line before delivering a dangerous ball into the six-yard box. The cross connected with Richmond defender William Yomby in the air, who nearly headed the ball into his own net.

On the subsequent corner, Crystal Palace had their second when Puncheon's corner found a soaring Glenn Murray whose nod beat the keeper to his left.

Richmond nearly pulled one back in the 59th minute when Yeisley found Juan Arbelaez down the right wing. Arbelaez found Tishan Hanley in the box but Hennessey denied his low driven shot to the left post with a finger-tip save to preserve his clean sheet.

Palace netted third in the 69th minute on a cross from substitute Barry Bannan. Bannan's ball was met by Marouane Chamakh whose header deflected off Yomby and into the net.

Richmond's best chance of the half came on Yeisley shot in the 80th minute. Asante sent a ball over the defense that Yeisley chested around Adrian Mariappa. Yeisley's shot rattled the woodwork and wide for a goal kick.

Richmond's final chance to avoid the shutout came in the 86th minute when Hanley received a goal kick and beat three defenders to the byline before sending in his cross. The cross beat Hennessey but Yeisley's diving header whistled just wide left of the target.

The Richmond Kickers take on the Wilmington Hammerheads this Friday, August 1 at Legion Stadium before returning to City Stadium to host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, August 9. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

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