Kickers clinch bye to the semifinals with 3-2 win
Published on August 2, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
WILMINGTON, NC - The Richmond Kickers cliniched a bye to the Semifinals with a 3-2 win in Wilmington, following a 2-1 home victory one night prior. Kickers Forward David Bulow opened scoring minutes before the first half ended but Hammerheads forward Brian Cvilikas leveled the score midway through the second 45. A flurry of goals within the last five minutes of the match saw the Kickers end up on top of a back-and-forth affair. Newcomer Fabian Dawkins connected in the 86th minute while Wilmington forward Jeff Rowland found the equalizer in the final minute of regulation. Dawkins struck again during stoppage time to steal the three points necessary for a first round bye in the USL-2 playoffs. The Kickers will host their Semifinal match on Saturday, August 16th at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium.
As the Hammerheads battled for playoff contention, and the Kickers attempted to hang on to second place, neither side could capitalize during the majority of the first half and it was not until the 44th minute that the Kickers could steal the advantage. Midfielder Stanley Nyazamba delivered a corner kick into the box, finding Bulow in the air. The Kickers leading scorer headed the ball to the far post and into the back of the net to put the visiting team up 1-0 before the break.
The Hammerheads nearly leveled the score in the 67th minute when Cvilikas fired a rocket off the post. A scramble for the rebound resulted inside the box but again Wilmington was denied by the woodwork.
The unrelenting Hammerheads attack led to the equalizer in the 73rd minute when midfielder Chris Murray received the ball after a throw in and crossed a driven ball into the box. A well-positioned Cvilikas struck a side-volley past the diving âkeeper.
The Kickers reclaimed the lead in the 86th minute, bringing the scoreline to 2-1 with just four minutes from full-time. Defender Evan Harding played a long ball forward to an on-rushing Dawkins deep on the wing. With a narrow angle to the goal, he struck from four yards and poked the ball over the line. As the final seconds of regulation ticked by, Rowland brought the score to an even 2-2, connecting on a Cvilikas cross.
With the score destined to remain tied, Dawkins struck again during injury time to steal another three points from the Hammerheads. Assisting on his second game-winning goal in as many games, midfielder Sascha Gorres received the ball on the left side and played it over the defense, finding Dawkins at the top of the box. Unmarked at the 12-yard line, Dawkins took one touch and sent a determined ball into the net.
Tonight's win clinched a first round bye and a guaranteed home field advantage for the Semifinal round on Saturday, August 16th. Although the opponent is to be determined, the match will take place at the University of Richmond Stadium at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now via RichmondKickers.com.
The Kickers conlude regular season action next Saturday, August 9th, hosting Crystal Palace Baltimore at 7:00 pm. Join the Kickers at the University of Richmond Stadium prior to the match for the first annual FAMILY FEST, presented by Ukrop's, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Festival caps off the Kickers 15th anniversary season and will feature food, live music, activities for kids and fun for the whole family. The pro soccer game highlights the event as the Kickers host Crystal Palace Baltimore during the festival. Bring the family before 6:00 pm and purchase a $5.00 ticket that allows admission for the whole group. Visit RichmondKickers.com for more information.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 2, 2008
- Cleveland Defeats Eagles with Late Penalty Kick - Charlotte Eagles
- Kickers clinch bye to the semifinals with 3-2 win - Richmond Kickers
- Palace set sights on third place - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Late Franks PK Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte - Cleveland City Stars
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