Eagles Drop Contest against Kickers

Published on August 9, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Two first half goals from George Davis IV and Luke Vercollone were enough to see the home side through, as Richmond defeated Charlotte 2-1. The Kickers move within one point of first place Orlando City, with a home and home series still on the cards.

Richmond opened the game with a large portion of the possession with their first chance coming on a third minute miscue from Charlotte defender JJ Greer. Greer gave the ball away to Matthew Delic� centte just outside the box, and the Richmond forward was in on goal. Delic� centte danced around the keeper before the ball was poked away by Bilal Duckett.

Richmond broke the ice in the 18 th minute on Davis IV's ninth goal on the season. Davis IV received a pass from Alex Lee at the top of the box, and his effort caught keeper Alec Kann flatfooted before finding the back of the net.

Charlotte's only chance of the half came in the 24 th minute. Forward Jorge Herrera found Darren Toby at the top of the box. Toby's left footed shot beat keeper Ryan Taylor, but went ringing off the left post.

Richmond doubled their lead in the 28 th minute on a goal from the captain, Luke Vercollone. Samuel Asante flicked the ball over the head of a defender, before sliding the ball through the defense. Vercollone did the rest, blasting a shot to the right of the keeper.

Richmond nearly added their third on the night in the 39 th minute. Jason Yeisley centered the ball to Delic� centte near the penalty spot. Delic� centte turned on Duckett into space, and his left footed effort drew a highlight reel save from Kann at full extension to his left.

Richmond picked up where they left off with two early chances to start the second half. In the 50 th minute Davis IV's ball from the right wing found Delic� centte just inside the six-yard box. Delic� centte's right-footed volley met the hand of Kann before trickling to the back post. The ball sat on the goal line as Delic� centte, and two Charlotte defenders scrambled for the ball before it could be cleared away.

Two minutes later, a Sascha G�=B6rres cross from the left flank, found the head of William Yomby at the back post but his header was aimed straight at the keeper and gloved.

Charlotte cut the deficit in half in the 53 rd minute on a goal by Herrera. Fred Sekyere's through ball from the middle of the attacking half, found Herrera making a diagonal run from the right flank. Herrera took one touch before slotting the ball home past Taylor.

Richmond thought they had their third in the 60 th minute when Shay Spitz's diving header found the back of the net. Spitz found himself behind the defense on a Nate Robinson free kick, but was called offside.

Richmond fans experienced a scare in the 65 th minute on a near own-goal from Yomby. Herrera found Jon Leathers through the defense who centered the ball in the box. Yomby was first to the ball, but his left food sent the ball in the direction of the goal before Taylor recovered.

Charlotte had their final chance at an equalizer in the 90 th minute. Second half substitute Drew Russell, found an open Tyrone Hall down the right flank. Hall tried to catch Taylor off his line, but his shot dipped just over the bar.

Charlotte will return home against the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday, August 16th at 7 pm at Queens Sports Complex. Tickets are available at www.charlotteeagles.com for a discounted rate until August 15th.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 9, 2014


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