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USL Richmond Kickers

Hammerheads bite Kickers once again

July 26, 2006 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond Kickers (11-3-3, 36 points) remain at the top of the USL Second Division standings despite dropping at 2-1 decision tonight to the Wilmington Hammerheads at the University of Richmond Stadium. The Kickers took an early lead on a goal in the 7th minute by Robert Ssejjemba and held on until a 73rd minute Wilmington equalizer by forward Anthony Maher. The eventual game-winner came in the 81st minute on a goal by forward Chris Bagley.

The Kickers opened scoring early in the evening on a 7th minute Robert Ssejjemba tally. Midfielder Ihor Dotsenko played the ball down to Matt Watson who flicked the ball on to Ssejjemba in the box on a cross. Ssejjemba sent a looping volley over goalkeeper Bart Creasman from 15 yards for his league-leading 14th goal of the season.

Later in the 19th minute, midfielder Mike Burke curled a corner kick into the box finding Kevin Knight in the box who deflected the ball on goal, past Creasman but was cleared off the line by a Hammerheads defender.

The Hammerheads continued to push forward, making several dangerous attempts including a 28th minute point-blank header by forward Chris Bagley that forced Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to make a heroic kick-save.

The Kickers regained momentum after the second-half restart when Burke, streaking down the right flank, sent a long cross to Carrieri on the opposite of the field in the 48th minute. Carrieri volleyed the cross out of the air and redirected the ball on goal but Creasman made a diving save and smothered the rebound.

The Hammerheads found the equalizer in the 73rd minute when Bagley, deep on the right side, attempted a tough-angle shot on goal, forcing Pascale to make the initial save; however, the ball trickled to the back post where Wilmington forward Anthony Maher was in scoring position and slid the rebound past Pascale.

Three minutes later, defender Martyn Lancaster received the ball inside the box and one-timed it past Pascale who came out to challenge a earlier shot. Fortunately for Richmond, defender Kelvin Jones' valiant diving header off the goal line prevented the goal.

Wilmington one-upped the Kickers in the 81st minute for the final goal of the night when Bagley intercepted a Kickers pass back, dribbled in to the box and shot from the right side into the left corner.

Despite a last-minute attempt by forward Brian Morris that sailed just wide of the goal, the Kickers suffered their second loss of the season to the Hammerheads, third overall.

The Kickers will host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, August 5th for Ukrop's Night at the University of Richmond Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free Frisbee courtesy Ukrop's.

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