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USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Advance to U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round with 2-1 Win over NY Greek American Atlas SC

May 29, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers ousted the NY Greek American Atlas 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round Wednesday night. Forward Chris Megaloudis gave the USASA side an early lead before a fierce electrical storm forced a three hour delay. After the break, Kickers midfielders George Davis IV and Tishan Hanley tallied unanswered second half goals to boost the home side through to the Fourth Round and match-up against the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer at City Stadium on Wednesday, June 18.

After withstanding a barrage of offensive pressure within the first 20 minutes, the Greek Americans broke the ice on a fast break that sprung midfielder Stephan Barea free at the left endline. The swift midfielder sliced a cross through the box, finding an elusive Megaloudis who punched home the opening goal from eight yards.

Searching for the equalizer eight minutes later, a streaking Samuel Asante raced through the midfield before playing Shay Spitz past his mark, who laid off a square pass to Juan Arbelaez on the right flank. He served a cross over the swarming box that darted back out to Shane Johnson who floated the ball back into the mix, leading Luke Vercollone to the far post but could not quite reach his target.

Then, just past the half hour mark, Kickers midfielder Christiano Francois cut through the midfield and fed a square ball to Vercollone at the right touchline. He played the ball back to Jason Yeisley stationed just outside the box but his lofted shot dipped just over the crossbar seconds before inclement weather suspended the game.

After the restart and an abbreviated halftime, the Kickers wasted little time leveling the score when Arbelaez served the ball into the box, finding a heavily marked Tishan Hanley. With his back to goal, he laid the ball off to Davis who rounded the defense and blasted home the 48th minute equalizer from point blank range.

Ten minutes later, Vercollone launched a cross into the box from the right side and connected with Shay Spitz posted at the six yard box but goalkeeper Ryszard Gorski fingertip save nudged the header just over the bar.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Kickers gained the advantage when Asante delivered a long ball to Görres on the left wing. The veteran defender whipped a curling ball to the far post and Hanley made no mistake burying a determined header.

In a last ditch effort to push the game to penalties, the Greek Americans nearly drew the score even in the 89th minute when Christian Arrieta served in an inswinging corner, finding late substitute Atonios Papasevastos but his header rattled the crossbar, ejecting the visitors from the Open Cup just before midnight.

The Richmond Kickers continue their three-games-in-four-days gauntlet this weekend, traveling to the Rochester Rhinos on Friday, May 30 before taking on the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday, May 31. Both games will be streamed on YouTube.com/RichmondKickers live from Sahlen's Stadium at 7:35 p.m. and Skyline Sports Complex at 7:00 p.m., respectively.

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