USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers clinch regular season title

Published on August 5, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond Kickers (12-2-3, 39 points) clinched first place in the USL Second Division with a 2-1 win over the Charlotte Eagles (8-4-7, 31 points) at the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday night. Although the Kickers trailed after a 27th minute strike by Charlotte forward Jacob Coggins, the Kickers tallied two goals, one on either side of the half, to solidify the regular season league title. Midfielder Matt Watson tied the match in the 43rd minute on a great header and forward Robert Ssejjemba notched his league-leading 15th goal of the season with the game-winner in the 69th minute.

The start of the game featured strong possession by the Kickers and despite several missed attempts, including two shots by Chris Carrieri and a 13th minute close call by Sascha Gorres, the Eagles were the first to strike on a 20-yard blast by midfielder Jacob Coggins in the 27th minute. Receiving the ball on a deflection just outside the box, Coggins turned his defender and registered the first tally of the night with a low right-footed blast into the back of the net, a terrific strike that Richmond netminder Ronnie Pascale had no chance at stopping.

The Kickers kept the pressure on and looked determined to equalize prior to the half. In the 43rd minute they were able to do so and leveled the score when defender Tony Williams chipped a high cross into the box finding Watson in the air. Watson's header sailed over the leaping Eagles goalkeeper Dan Benton into the upper corner of the goal, for his fourth goal of the season.

The Kickers carried the offensive pressure into the second half, outshooting the Eagles 6-3 (16 to 6 overall) and finally connecting in the 69th minute on Robert Ssejjemba's 15th goal of the season. A perfectly timed run by Ssejjemba and pass by newcomer David Bulow sent the league's top goal scorer in behind the Charlotte defense. One-on-one with goalkeeper Dan Benton, Ssejjemba raced past the diving keeper's left side and slotted the ball into the open net.

Richmond continued to press forward, creating numerous chances including a near miss in the 72nd minute when a Mike Burke cross found Watson in scoring position but his header ricocheted off the woodwork, the rebound however fell to Bulow but his volley was stopped in the six yard box by an Eagles defender and cleared out of trouble.

Charlotte saw a scoring opportunity in the 75th minute when midfielder Ross Spencer received a bouncing ball inside the box off a throw-in but his low shot on goal was pushed wide by Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale, an amazing point blank reaction save.

The Kickers take to the road to face Wilmington on Wednesday, August 9th before returning home next Saturday, August 12th for their final regular season home game when they host the New Hampshire Phantoms at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond Stadium. Order tickets online until noon on game day and receive a $2.00 discount.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 5, 2006


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