USL Richmond Kickers

Deli Strikes Again In 1-1 Draw Against Maryland

Published on May 9, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers battled the Real Maryland Monarchs to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the University of Richmond Stadium. Scoring sensation Matthew Delicâte gave the home team an early lead with a 17th minute tally when he connected on a cross from rookie midfielder Jonathan Villanueva. The Kickers controlled the run of play, out-shooting their opponent 18-4 but could not rally back after conceding an own goal in the 63rd minute.

Searching for their first home win of the season, the Kickers came out of the gates determined to send the Real Maryland Monarchs home disappointed. Applying pressure early and often, the Kickers tested goalkeeper Brian Levey several times before the 20 minute mark.

An all-out attack in a five-minute span started with a free kick in the 12th minute. Mike Burke delivered the ball into the box, but Edson Elcock's header on frame was denied by the well-positioned ‘keeper in the 12th minute. Burke struck again in the 14th minute, firing a rocket from 23 yards that sailed just wide.

Three minutes later, the Kickers persistence paid off when Elcock played a nice flick on header to Villanueva, who raced down the sideline. He played a perfect cross from deep on the left flank to an onrushing Delicâte, who redirected it past Levey from point-blank range to give the Kickers a 1-0 lead.

Later, the Kickers were looking to draw blood again with two great opportunities in the 35th minute. First, defender David Hertel served a high cross to the far post, finding Villanueva airborne who nodded the ball toward goal. Levey's first clearance found Burke at the top of the box. Taking one touch, he fired the rebound but his left-footed attempt was smothered by the big goalkeeper, just inside the post.

Soon after, the home team was denied by the woodwork when Delicâte attempted to bury a cross from six yards out but his determined strike rattled the crossbar.

Delicâte nearly was the hero again right before the break when Burke played him in behind the defense, leaving the physical forward 1v1 with Levey. With an unwavering composure, Levey's kick save kept the Kickers from doubling the score.

The firepower did not relent after the restart as Levey was forced to respond again minutes into the second half. Elcock supplied a cross from the left side, finding Villanueva crushing to the near post but the netminder made the save with his legs before stifling the ball on the ground.

The Monarchs nearly dug their own grave in the 50th minute when the Kickers were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. The Kickers failed to capitalize on the opportunity when Burke was unable to slip the ball past Levey who kept his nerve and stretched to push the ball over the crossbar.

Maryland brought the score level in the 63rd minute, with some assistance from the Kickers, when an unfortunate own goal resulted from an ill-timed clearance by Henry Kalungi.

Looking to break the stalemate in the 80th minute, midfielder Nicki Paterson attempted a shot from 25 yards out. His strike took an unpredictable bounce, and Kickers fans held their breath as Pascale bobbled the ball before he could settle it down.

The Monarchs saw their best chance of the night slip by the far post in the 83rd minute when Paterson lined up a free kick at the left edge of the penalty box. Bending the ball around the defensive wall, he was unable to sneak it past a diving Ronnie Pascale who punched the ball from harm's way.

As stoppage time was destined to end at any second, a loose ball bounced to defender Sascha Görres, just outside the box but his volley missed the target by inches.

The Richmond Kickers face the Monarchs again next Sunday, May 16th in Maryland before returning to UR Stadium on Friday, May 21st to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:00 p.m. Save big on admission by ordering tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 9, 2010


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