USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Kickers Bounce Back To Defeat Atlanta In Overtime

August 12, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA– The Richmond Kickers (15-7-3, 48 points) were able to move one step closer to post-season play by defeating the Atlanta Silverbacks (12-9-2, 38 points) in the second overtime period, 2-1. The Kickers led the Silverbacks 1-0 for the majority of regulation until an own goal for the Silverbacks equalized the score in the final seconds of stoppage time, pushing the game into overtime. Richmond forward McColm Cephas was able to find the back of the next in the second overtime period, clinching the victory.

Both teams were drenched for the first half tonight as a steady rain soaked the field and few scoring opportunities were available to either side. The first dangerous play of the night occurred in the 12th minute as Kickers defender Chris Fox sent a left-footed blast just over the crossbar from 20 yards out. Atlanta's Velko Iotov retaliated five minutes later, taking a quick shot, with the ball again going just high over the goal. Later, in the 34th minute, Richmond's Joey Worthen dribbled the ball down the field and took a shot from the 23rd yard line. Goalkeeper Anthony Tokpah blocked the shot, causing it to rebound to Kickers forward Kevin Jeffrey. Jeffrey was left in front of the wide-open goal and tallied the first goal of the night. In the final seconds of the first half, Atlanta's Mac Cozier took a fast shot directly on goal, but goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was ready and able to smother the ball.

The second half began with more pressure on both sides of the field, beginning with a header by Kickers defender Matt Bobo, which veered just wide of the net in the 49th minute of play. Nine minutes later, Richmond forward Matthew Delicate dribbled around a Silverback defender, turned and made a determined shot on goal from inside the box, but Tokpah was able to grab the ball and make the save. Soon after, in the 61st minute, a low but speedy shot by Richmond's Tony Williams from the 40th yard line was untouched as it made its path towards the goal. The ball ricocheted off the post and was cleared by Silverback defenders. Atlanta forward Gary Brooks sought revenge minutes later, taking a shot on goal but sending it just wide for a goal kick. In the 69th minute, a series of dangerous shots led to a block by Pascale. As the ball rebounded off the near post, dangerously close to the goal, Fox was able to clear the ball from the box. Atlanta was unable to score again in the 85th minute, as defender Fred Degand sent a powerful shot just over the crossbar. However, in the 3rd and final minute of stoppage time, a Silverback cross unfortunately found the head of a Kickers defender, propelling the ball into his own goal, pushing both teams into overtime.

Atlanta came out fast into the first overtime period, completing several quick passes, resulting in a shot by Silverbacks midfielder Leslie Fitzpatrick in the 91st minute. Two consecutive Silverbacks corner kicks occurred in the 93rd minute, with the first going over the crossbar and the second saved by a leaping Pascale. Quickly recovering, Kickers defender Kevin Knight sent the ball down the field, finding veteran forward Rob Ukrop waiting 10 yards from the goal. Ukrop turned and attempted to score, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar. Finally in the 103rd minute, a cross by Richmond defender Peter Luzak found McColm Cephas three yards out. Cephas' golden goal into the corner of the net was enough to conclude the match.

Check out the Richmond Kickers Statistics



USL First Division Stories from August 12, 2004


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