Sports stats



USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers blank Eagles, remain in first place

June 10, 2006 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond Kickers increased their lead in the USL Second Division tonight to five points (6-1-2, 20 points) after shutting out the Charlotte Eagles (4-2-2, 15 points), 2-0, in front of a crowd of 3,076. Kickers leading scorer Robert Ssejjemba made his seventh tally of the season in the 29th minute and midfielder Mike Burke closed out the match with an 82nd minute goal.

Opening strong, Kickers defender Trevor McEachron received a through-pass at the 17 yard line in the 4th minute and attempted a low shot into the left corner. As Charlotte goalkeeper Chris McClellan came out to challenge, McEachron¡¯s pass narrowly missed wide of the far post.

One minute later, Eagles forward Dustin Swinehart sent a dangerous strike from the penalty area but the low ball was smothered by Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Pascale was tested again in the 8th minute when forward Taurai Daka took aim at the right corner, forcing an outstretched Pascale to make a diving save.

In the 14th minute, Kickers midfielder Tim Brown received a cross from Matt Watson who sends a header just over the crossbar. Swinehart retaliated in the 23rd minute, receiving the ball at the six-yard spot but shot right to Pascale who smothered the ball.

The Kickers took the lead in the 29th minute when midfielder Sascha Gorres took a free kick from the 22-yard line. After a quick restart, Gorres¡¯s cross found Ssejjemba in the air who sent a diving header into the back of the net.

After the second-half restart, Burke received a ball at the 18 yard line but McClellan was able to smother his bouncing shot for the save. Later, Carrieri received a cross from midfield but sent a blast over the crossbar while defender Tony Williams slipped the ball through two defenders in the 71st minute allowing Burke to curl the ball into the box but McClellan blocked the threatening shot.

Two close calls by Swinehart led to back-and-forth scoring opportunities. Swinehart created two dangerous changes in the 75th and 78th minutes respectively. First, he settled the ball at the six-yard line but his volley was obstructed by a defender and sailed over the crossbar. Three minutes later, he attempted a header but Pascale made a leaping save.

In the next minute, Richmond pressed forward, this time it was Ssejjemba who volleyed the ball over the cross bar from the penalty spot.

Finally, in the 82nd minute, Richmond doubled the score when Burke received a pass from Carrieri on the far side. Streaking down the right side, Burke beat the defender to the outside and took a low shot on goal. McClellan was able to get a hand on the ball but it was not enough to stop Burke¡¯s rocket into the far corner.

Charlotte saw their best chance annulled in the 88th minute when a Swinehart goal was called back due to an offside call, allowing the Kickers to preserve the clean sheet for the second consecutive game.

The Kickers return to the University of Richmond Stadium for Free Youth Night on Friday, June 30th to host the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:00 p.m., courtesy of Modern Woodmen of America. Tickets can be downloaded online via RichmondKickers.com.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 10, 2006


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