USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers and Rhinos Battle To Scoreless Stalemate

Published on July 22, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Kickers and Rochester Raging Rhinos were unable to break the stalemate for first place in the USL standings tonight, battling to a scoreless tie in front of a crowd of 2,651. Richmond was unable to break down the Rochester defense out-shooting the Rhinos 14-5.

Although the Kickers controlled play for most of the first half, they were not able to capitalize on several scoring attempts. Forward Kevin Jeffrey created multiple opportunities including in the 20th minute when forward McColm Cephas one-touched the ball to the right, which found Jeffrey streaking down the right side, open in front of the goal. Jeffrey's 10-yard rocket was diverted wide by Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow.

Jeffrey was involved in a second close call when midfielder Mike Burke sent a cross inside the six-yard line where Jeffrey challenged Vallow for a loose ball, dropped by the keeper. Richmond midfielder Tim Brown tried to shoot the bouncing ball into the corner of the net but a Rochester defender was at the far post and cleared it out of harm's way.

The Rhinos retaliated in the 34th minute when forward Greg Howes, deep on the left side, sent a dangerous shot on goal but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was able to make a leaping effort to knock the ball away.

Richmond had one last first-half effort to break the ice in the 40th minute when midfielder Sascha Gorres sent a well-positioned cross, finding Cephas in the box. Cephas won the ball in the air but his header was saved by the woodwork, ricocheting off the right post.

A scoreless second half continued with possession mostly in the Kickers favor beginning in the 48th minute when a 28-yard free kick taken by Gorres sailed just out of Cephas' reach, alone inside the six-yard line, allowing Vallow to corral the ball for the save.

The Kickers kept the pressure on despite the unrelenting Rhinos defense as forward Matthew Delicate produced dangerous opportunities in the 67th and and 72nd minutes. After receiving similar crosses from Burke, his headers glanced off the far post, rebounding just wide of the goal.

Ten minutes later, Brown and Vallow collided in the box, deflecting the ball to Ssejjemba, 15 yards out who sent a left-footed strike that was deflected by a Rhinos defender just over the crossbar.

The two teams will exchange home field advantage next weekend, when the Kickers travel to Rochester on Saturday, July 30th. The Kickers return home to face D.C. United of Major League Soccer in the Fourth Round of the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, August 3rd. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from July 22, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central