USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Advance to Third Round of Us Open Cup with 6-1 Win over RVA FC

Published on May 14, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers ousted RVA FC from the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup at Sports Backers Stadium Wednesday night, 6-1. Samuel Asante, Shay Spitz and Jason Yeisley opened scoring in the first half and Tishan Hanley added a pair of goals following the break. RVA FC forward Jonathan Orlando pulled a goal back just past the hour mark before George Davis IV rounded out the scoreline two minutes from regulation. The Kickers advanced to host the New York Greek American Atlas SC at City Stadium in the Third Round.

The Kickers wasted little time breaking the ice when Spitz played the ball to an unmarked Alex Lee, deep on the right wing in the 26th minute. The Kickers defender whipped in an outswinging cross, finding Asante lurking at the back post who made no mistake with his point blank header into the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, Spitz wound up a close-range shot but was blocked by RVA goalkeeper Bill Groben. The crafty midfielder was not to be denied a second time as he recovered quickly and buried the rebound.

Integral again just before halftime, Spitz stole the ball in RVA territory and barreled through traffic as he raced through the midfield. He wound up a shot from the top of the 18 but Groben parried his attempt directly to Yeisley who tapped in the loose ball.

Picking up where they left off after the break, the Kickers netted two more goals in rapid fire succession. First, midfielder Luke Vercollone played along ball over the defense, leading Hanley as he eluded defenders into the box. The Kickers newcomer drew the opposition deep on the left edge before finishing a sharp-angled blast into the far side netting in the 62nd minute.

Two minutes later, RVA pressed forward but an awaiting Kickers goalkeeper Joe Willis intercepted a potentially dangerous cross and distributed it out to Hugh Roberts who played a long ball to Lee. With a fifth goal in sight, Lee's pass split defenders and allowed Hanley a clear pathway to notch his second goal in as many minutes.

RVA avoided the shutout in the 65th minute when Daniel Lauretano battled for the ball on the left flank. The former Kickers Academy midfielder delivered a through ball to Orlando who danced around his mark and poked the ball past a diving Willis inside the near post.

The flurry of goals ended in the 88th minute when Lee earned his third assist of the night. Vercollone controlled the ball in the midfield, springing Lee free on the right flank. He sliced a cross through the box, finding Davis at the penalty spot who calmly slotted home the sixth goal of the night into the far corner.

The Richmond Kickers continue their three-games-in-five-days gauntlet this weekend, traveling to the Oklahoma City Energy FC on Friday, May 16 before taking on the Chicago Fire Reserves (3-0-1) of Major League Soccer on Sunday, May 18. Both games will be streamed on YouTube.com/RichmondKickers live from Pribil Stadium at 8:00 p.m. and Toyota Park at 5:30 p.m., respectively.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 14, 2014


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